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Ndokwa Youths Pass Confidence Vote On Okowa, Osanebi Vows To Protect Govt. Facilities Blast Illegal Youth Groups *Condemn Criminality

Youth Development

December 4, 2015

Ndokwa Youths Pass Confidence Vote On Okowa, Osanebi *Vows To Protect Govt. Facilities *Blast Illegal Youth Groups *Condemn Criminality

Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –

Youth presidents from the Thirty six (36) clans in Ndokwa nation as well as the community Youth Chairmen which make up the clans have passed a vote of implicit Confidence on Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and the Deputy Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi for their dynamic leadership and mentorship of youths through out the state.

The youths who commended the duo for their interest in youth development through empowerment, promised to always co-operate with the various oil and gas multinational firms operating within the Ndokwa nation and protect government installations, including the Independent Power Plant ( IPP) at Okpai.

The vote of confidence is contained in a 10 Point Communique signed by 129 youth leaders from the Ndokwa nation and issued at the end of an enlarged meeting on Thursday, December 03, 2015.

Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi, in his address to the youth leaders expressed his determination to promote the overall interest and development of Ndokwa and his willingness to support the youths in an effort to bring about unity, peace and security in the communities.

He reiterated his position that empowerment shall be distributed through accepted clan and community youth leaders to ensure that the grassroots are carried along in government policies and programs.

A copy of the communique made available to Blank NEWS Online reads:

A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT END OF A MEETING BETWEEN THE DEPUTY SPEAKER, DELTA STATE HOUSE ASSEMBLY, RT. HON. FRIDAY OSSAI OSANEBI, CLAN/COMMUNITY YOUTH PRESIDENTS AND CHAIRMEN IN NDOKWA EAST, NDOKWA WEST AND UKWUANI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF DELTA STATE ON THURSDAY, 3RD DECEMBER, 2015.

The meeting was attended by Youth presidents from the Thirty six (36) clans in Ndokwa nation: Twenty two (22) Ndokwa East, six in Ndokwa West, and Nine ( 9) clans in Ukwuani LGAs as well as the community Youth Chairmen which make up the clans.
A total of One Hundred and Twenty Nine (129) Youth leaders were in attendance.

The Deputy Speaker was supported at the meeting by the member representing Ndokwa West in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Azuka Azaka, commissioners representing Ndokwa Ethnic Nationality on the Board of the DESOPADEC Comr. Nnamdi Ezechi and Hon. Flenjo Fidelix Oputa, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Hon. Basil Ishiekwuene, Special Assistant to the Governor on youths and community Development, Comr. Benjamin Onwubolu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Community Development, Comr. Tony Ndanenu and Member, Delta State Water ways and land security, Mr. Anslem Nzete ( Omamuli)

The Deputy Speaker, in his address to the youth leaders expressed his determination to promote the overall interest and development of Ndokwa and his willingness to support the youths in an effort to bring about unity, peace and security in the communities. He reiterated his position that empowerment shall be distributed through accepted clan and community youth leaders to ensure that the grassroots are carried along in government policies and programs.

The highlights of the meeting were the resolutions by the community youth leaders as follows:

1. That the community Youth leaders condemn and dissociate themselves from the nefarious activities of the self styled coalition of Ndokwa Youths which tended to create hostility and security alarm in Ndokwa nation.

2. That Ndokwa Nation remains peaceful and accommodating host to multinational firms and government installations, particularly the various oil and gas companies and the independent power plant ( IPP) at Okpai.

3. That Ndokwa Community Youths Commend Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi for their interest in youth development and especially the empowerment of youths by the present administration through Operation Feed your Neighbor (OFN).

4. Ndokwa Youths endorse the new policy of disbursing dividends of democracy and in particular, proceeds of Operation Feed your Neighbor directly through clan presidents and community youth chairmen.

5. Ndokwa Youths affirm their determination to protect and secure their various communities from all forms of criminality especially cultism, kidnaping, armed robbery, pipe line vandalization and illegal oil bunkering.

6. The youth leaders expressed their unflinching support to the present administration of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa in Delta State for being youth friendly in policies and programs and for appointing many Youths into positions of responsibility in government.

7. The Youths agreed to come under one umbrella and elect a single leadership from all youth groups in Ndokwa nation that will be formidable and truly representative of their goals and aspirations.

8. They agreed to key into government’s SMART agenda and form community based cooperatives to benefit from the small and medium enterprises ( SMEs) and Micro Credit Schemes.

9. They appealed to government to ensure that Ndokwa youths benefit fully from Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship Program ( YAGEP) and Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Program ( STEP).

10. Following a motion moved by Comr. Emma Obaah, seconded by Comr. Sam Olise which was unanimously supported, the youths passed a vote of implicit Confidence on Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and the Deputy Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi for their dynamic leadership and mentorship of youths through out the state.

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NURTW Branch Election –Obi Calls For Peace *As New Executive C'ttee Emerges For Ika South Branch A, C

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December 3, 2015

Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –

CHAIRMAN of Delta State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Chief Ifeanyi Obi has sued for peace among members of the Union as they prepare for branch elections.

Chief Obi made the calll while speaking on the preparation for elections into different branches of the Union in the State.

According to him, it was important for members of the Union to maintain peace and obey directives of the national secretariat of the driver’s union and that any person who has held an office for two tenures or terms is not qualified to contest for the same position.

“Elections is full of intrigues but Delta State has enjoyed peace and we want the peace to be sustained, especially in this season that we are going for elections in different branches,” Chief Obi said, adding that “normally, people are ambitious but, your ambition should not affect the activities of our Union or the peace we are enjoying in the State.”

Chief Obi emphasized, “our national secretariat, in line with the Union’s Constitution, has directed that anybody who has done two terms in a position cannot contest again for the same position and we must obey that directive and other provisions of our Union Constitution.”

The drivers’ union chairman in the state assured his members that the elections will be transparent and warned against any action that could truncate the electoral process or lead to the breach of peace.

New Executive Committee Emerges For Ika South Branch A And C Of NURTW.

Meanwhile, a new executive committee for the Ika South A and C branches of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has been sworn-in with a charge on them to ensure that they maintain peace and ensure that every member of the Union must be carried along in their activities without discrimination.

Those who took oath of office administered by the Deputy State Chairman of the drivers’ union, Comrade Mike Onadeyake in Asaba include Comrade Eddy Ofuani as the Branch A chairman while his members are Comrades Eboh Ologwa (1st Vice Chairman), Friday Eluma (2nd Vice Chairman), Emmanuel Ibude (Secretary), Napoleon Igharo (Assistant Secretary), Pius Okoh (Treasurer), Jackson Nwaogi (Financial Secretary), Henry Ewemeka (Auditor), Ndidi Otor (Organising Secretary), Jacob Okwuogori (1st Trustee), Ikechukwu Ofuani (2nd Trustee), Johnbull Ashien (Assistant Treasurer). Augustine Eluro (Assistant Organising Secretary and Monday Ijedinma (Assistant Auditor).

Comrade Charles Agboje was sworn-in as the Chairman for Ika South C while members of his executive include, Comrades Andrew Onichabor (Vice Chairman), Omodu Azobu (2nd Vice Chairman), Friday Elumah (Secretary), Anthony Agholor (Treasurer), Nwako Moses (Financial Secretary), Ikechukwu Ekpenesi (1st Trustee), Julius Aswat (2nd Trustee), John Bwagbogwu (Organising Secretary), Augustin Okumabua (Auditor), Deboy Nmodi (Public Relations Officer), Abraham Ojemeyi (Assistant Treasurer) and Emmanuel Agboje (Ex-Officio).

Speaking at the occasion, the Assistant State Secretary of the Union, Comrade Anthony Igwebuike, charged the new executive committee for the branches who were sworn-in to ensure that they carry their members along and always sell property of the Union.

He emphasized that it is a criminal offence for anybody to sell receipts other than that of the drivers’ union and urged them to be law abiding and shun any action that could lead to the breach of the peace.

“Make sure you carry our members along, sell property of our union and maintain peace; if there is any issue, report to the state executive council or the Police if it is a serious issue, but, shun violence of any kind,” Comrade Igwebuike said.

Responding on behalf of those who were sworn –in, Comrade Ofuani of Branch A, thanked the members of the Union for electing them and also, commended the state executive council led by Comrade Ifeanyi Obi for effectively piloting the affairs of the Union in accordance with its constitution.

“We thank our Chairman for working with the National Executive Committee in ensuring that there is a peaceful union where everybody work as brothers,” he said, adding, “we will carry all our members along, be law abiding and obey the constitution of our Union,”

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CROSSROADS: The Man Who Would Be Governor –By Reuben Abati

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November 29, 2015

CROSSROADS: The Man Who Would Be Governor –By Reuben Abati

Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – By Reuben Abati

One of the finest persons I have been privileged to know is Odia Ofeimun: the man has a clean heart, he is completely incapable of malice, and in the face of all odds, he has a sunny view of life, add to that his incandescent mind, his absolute brilliance from which has poured forth a prodigious volume of poetry collections, books, essays, years of journalism practice and a reputation as a public intellectual of the very first rank. Odia as I call him, although he is more popularly known as Baba among the younger generation of writers, is also an incurable idealist, very stubborn to a fault with his idealism and this is where we oftentimes differ.

He has been insisting to my hearing for more than a decade that one of his ambitions is to become the Governor of Edo State and knowing Odia’s frame of mind and constitution, I always laughed this off as a big joke, urging him to face reality and not behave like the Hornbill which incidentally is the name of the publishing house that he runs. When Odia is hooked on an idea, it is difficult to separate him from that idea, more so as he has the mental capacity to develop any subject at all into a grand, compelling narrative. And that is what he seems to have done with his obsession with being the Governor of his home state.

He took the bull by the horns last week, when he fired off a blistering essay titled “To be Governor of Edo State” (Premium Times, Nov. 22). The essay was well circulated in the media and particularly online but I don’t think anybody in Edo State is aware that one of their best gifts to Nigeria in the cultural sector is also eyeing Government House. I’ll be surprised if Governor Oshiomhole is aware of Odia’s declaration; well perhaps he needs not be informed, but now that he knows, he is likely to show interest in this special aspirant. The next Gubernatorial election in Edo State holds in 2016, and already the jostle and the hustle is on, with close to ten persons already seeking the APC nomination and the PDP also strategizing. Out of all the aspirants that may emerge, Odia Ofeimun is likely to be the most enlightened, honest and cultured, and the most articulate but it is also for these same reasons that he may not be Governor of Edo State.

Odia lives in Lagos, and goes home occasionally, when his busy schedule permits. I doubt if he knows the Senatorial Districts in Edo State or the number of wards and polling units. He has never had any cause to visit any traditional ruler, except may be the Odionwele of his Iruekpen village, and he has certainly not bothered to distribute bags of rice across the clans in the state as a way of knocking on the voters’ doors. Odia’s qualifications: he is a poet, political scientist and author; he was Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Private Secretary, he has been Secretary General and President of the Association of Nigerian Authors and he is intellectually, a genius.

But his Gubernatorial ambition reminds me of those guys who sit in far away America, or the United Kingdom, claiming to know how democracy works, and what is best for the entire world, who suddenly return home, paste posters all over the town and hope to become a Governor just because they have faith that the electorate will appreciate their quality and look for the best man for the job. Knowing Odia Ofeimun, he may not even be planning to print any posters. He doesn’t even belong to any political party; I will be surprised if he has a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC); he has no Godfather, he does not belong to any grassroots political association. But he wants to be Governor in 2016, less than one year away, by writing beautiful essays on the internet!

Sorry, Odia, that is not how this thing is done. The Odia I know may argue brilliantly that he actually intends to demonstrate that his approach can win the people to his side and take him straight to the Edo State Government House in 2016. Let him start then, by translating his statement of interest from English into Edo languages and have it distributed across the state. Be warned: The piece is so high-minded, so stratospheric that even the people will be confused, whether they read it in English or his own native Ishan. He says: “I am determined to prove that within the particularity of one nationality, Edo, and the fold of a multinational state, Nigeria, it is possible to achieve high feats of modernity, cultural civility, and technological proficiency comparable to that of any other country in the world. And this, within forty months, Not two terms of office.” How does this guarantee the mass following and support that will offer the said forty months to start with? Odia’s programme is made up of “seven platforms.” He is promising free education, and that is understandable, he being a disciple of the great Awo. He is also promising to “re-plan and rebuild every village, town and city”; build a super dome underground railway station, value-added agriculture, free health care, eliminate waste, and “turn Edo State into a proper House of Culture”. I am actually doing an English to English translation, breaking down Odia’s manifesto for the benefit of his would-be voters who may not understand his poetically elevated English.

But what is he proposing in real terms? He says: “My fortune is that I have spent the last forty years of my life interacting with the best minds in this country.” You see, my fear is that when eventually Odia begins his campaigns he is likely to mount the rostrum to tell Edo people about Obafemi Awolowo and Wole Soyinka, one Friedrich Nietzsche and such other figures as Ogun, the god of iron. Tell me, how does that bring hope to the man in Agenebode or Ikpoba Hill? Aspirant Odia also tells the people of Edo State: “Living always as an ordinary Nigerian, going by public transportation as a matter of choice and as a matter of never dodging the pains faced by my fellow countrymen and women, I have more than forty books to show where I stand in the confrontation with the poverty, corruption, insecurity and other hazards of our time.” If Odia had shown me this piece, I would have deleted this part of it. Going by public transportation! How would this endear him to the average voter? And forty books: seriously? Odia is so committed to a life of the intellect; he is likely to end up reading poems and stories to voters! And does he plan to campaign with public transportation to show that he can confront poverty?

He goes further to declare that his election will not be a “cash and carry affair”. He expects the people of Edo State, three million and more, to contribute “one thousand, two thousand, and five thousand Naira, and even more, to my campaign funds”. Ehn hen? Is Odia planning a religious crusade where he will make the lame walk, and the blind to see, because if that is what he has in mind, he can be sure he’d get a lot of donations. But if his ambition is to be Governor, he shouldn’t expect the electorate to pick up his bills. He says he is counting on “their faith and trust”. This is what our dear brother intends to tell the members of the Edo State National Union of Road Transport Workers, traditional rulers and chiefs, spiritual leaders, polling agents, the large army of thugs, the scarlet ladies, the pooling booth enforcers, for whom every election is boom time, and who have been looking forward to the “stomach infrastructure” of Edo 2016. Faith and Trust! Sorry, Nigerians have lost faith in politicians and they do not trust anyone looking for votes.

The problem with Odia’s Gubernatorial ambition is not one of qualification- he is eminently qualified- but his honesty. He has no money to spend and he is telling the voters that he expects them to fund his campaign. He is not the type of politician who wants to “carry people along”. Speak as much grammar as you wish, in Nigeria, people expect to be “carried along”, whether you are an aspirant or a political office holder – they expect to be bribed. Odia is a straight, open book; the mind of a typical Nigerian politician is full of alleys and multiple by-pass.

I have been in meetings with politicians where it would be so obvious that everyone is lying, and that they are all aware that they are lying to each other, and this lying session can continue for hours on end, with everyone pretending to be doing something productive. If you are a tyro and you make the mistake of cutting through the bubble, you won’t be invited to the next meeting for sure! Nigerian politicians have their own way of arriving at convenient truths without ever saying the truth. I guess they rely on body language. Odia cannot survive such meetings: he will always defend his viewpoint and is capable of making a fool look like one. And if he becomes Governor, he will be worse than those ones referred to in political circles as “Araldite or Super Glue” , because he will refuse to divert state resources into people’s pockets. His Accountant General should of course, be prepared to receive regular lectures on Public Finance, delivered with the same felicity with which Odia pronounces on every subject, including polygamy.

Odia has not set up any campaign office. He has no campaign organization either. You and I are probably among the few who have heard of his ambition because we have read his beautiful literary composition on the subject. In some other societies, he would have been a perfect candidate – afterall, there have been reports of disc jockeys and writers becoming Presidents elsewhere. One professional comedian just won the Presidential election in another country. Odia’s approach may be so far ahead of our society, but still, let us not discourage him; let the people judge –which is the essence of democracy and let those who appreciate his quality and commitment take note and help turn his dream into something achievable. He offers a fresh and desirable possibility that is not seen today in Nigerian politics, and as is increasingly the trend in many parts of the world, we probably need non-establishment figures, with a good heart, like him, to help stop the extending frontiers of disillusionment in our land.

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E.I.C: Albert Eruorhe Ograka

Audu’s Inconclusive Death; Mugabe’s Wheelchair –By Reuben Abati

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November 28, 2015

Audu’s Inconclusive Death; Mugabe’s Wheelchair –By Reuben Abati

Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – By Reuben Abati

“You look sleepy”

“My brother, let’s just say I slept at a fuel station, looking for fuel.”

“For which of the women in your life, because I hear these days, to please a woman in Nigeria, you must be ready to supply the three major things lacking in the land: money, fuel, and happiness.”

“Leave that matter, please. My condolences on the death of your man, Governor Abubakar Audu”

“We thank God for his life. He played his part.”

“To be so close to breasting the tape and then fall.”

“I know. I know. May be if he had not insisted on running again for the office of Governor in Kogi state, he would still be alive today.”

“The man drove himself too hard, publicly and privately. He ran for every Gubernatorial election in Kogi state since 1991. There must be something special in being Governor for him.”

“Don’t speak ill of the dead, I beg you. Simple etiquette.”

“But you know now?”

“I don’t know nothing”

“Then the man went and married a young, 23-year old. If the election had been concluded and the man had won, the First Lady of Kogi state would have been a 23-year old lady! Those who seek public office should always weigh their lifestyle and their health against their ambition, but politicians act as if they are superhuman.”

“Can you stop?”

“A 74-year old man, with a 23-year old wife. That alone is enough to give anybody hypertension.”

“He was 68”

“Official age. He was 74, somebody told me.”

“Excuse me! Respect the dead, please. Abubakar Audu was a democrat extraordinary, a courageous politician, a visionary, selfless, man of the people, and his party’s popular choice.”

“My view is that it is not the election in Kogi that is inconclusive per se, a supplementary election will be organized, a winner will emerge; it is Audu’s death that is inconclusive considering the many issues it has thrown up.”

“What kind of talk is that? Death is final. It is the cessation of all things, a necessary end.”

“Nothing has ended with Abubakar Audu’s death oh. Did you not see the desperate efforts made to get some Prophets to resurrect him? And some people actually believed that he could be the Lazarus of our time! They started jubilating.”

“That is concrete proof of his popularity. But I was shocked seeing Nigerians will believe anything, and being so superstitious. Even the grave diggers stopped digging, waiting for the prophets to perform a miracle.”

“I hear there was a meeting of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the Kogi election but the moment the prophets waded in, even INEC suspended its meeting and did not reconvene until the prophets failed.”

“Only in Africa!”

“When the Prophets didn’t deliver, people got angry. They could have lynched those Prophets”

“Well, at least, some people will now know that the prophets are not always right in the age of biology and science. Who could have been behind such a hare-brained scheme?”

“The man’s in-laws, for example.

“Oh, come on”

“Or persons who may have been promised appointments and contracts. Or it could be persons who invested in his candidacy. Elections in Nigeria are business investments. The investors must have thought of a last minute strategy to reverse the situation. Simple economics. ”

“You and your theories. The same people will do business with whoever eventually wins the election, anyway.”

“There is also the inconclusive matter of the 23-year old wife. When the death was announced, many commentators on social media were more concerned about the young widow. Comments about how she will cope, what she would do next. One guy asked for her phone numbers.”

“Stupid, callous fellow.”

“Another fellow actually said he was ready to inherit all of Audu’s assets and liabilities in that regard.”

“Let him go ahead. Ole!”

“Besides, Audu’s death has turned everybody into a Constitutional expert. What happens if a candidate dies in the course of an inconclusive election? Who becomes the new candidate?”

“Simple. The APC will field another candidate, appeal to whoever is aggrieved within the party to step down until an appropriate candidate who definitely must be Igala, is identified. I don’t see the APC fielding any candidate who will automatically make them lose the election.”

“You think the APC candidate must still be Igala? But nothing is ever that straightforward in Nigerian politics.”

“Of course, otherwise, it will be a walk-over for Governor Idris Wada. The Igalas have the numbers. Politics is a game of numbers. The stakes are high. I foresee many court cases”

“Let them field Audu’s young widow then”

“Are you out of your mind? Why are you so obsessed with this lady?”

“Or may be his son. Does he have any son who is qualified? Let them make it a family affair. If he had supported his son as a candidate…But people just don’t know when to quit and hand over to the next generation.”

“With a 23-year old wife, he was definitely committed to the next generation.”

“Some people are of the view that his running mate should just run with the mandate, but I don’t think the circumstances favour him. He is from a minority group in Kogi state. He is a Christian, and the party may not back him.”

“Poor James Faleke”

“Yeah, he must be troubled. What if he and Audu had won. And they had been sworn in. But now, there are no guarantees.”

“God’s will is supreme. That is one lesson we all must learn from all this. Remember Abacha? When it was time, God intervened. We are all pencils in God’s hands. You can amass all the wealth in the world, marry all the young women, misapply the people’s money, get so close to Cannan, but you can then fall sick and die. In life, things happen and all you have left is six feet, rich or poor, six feet.”

“Six feet”

“I hope Robert Mugabe knows this. I hope Grace Mugabe knows.”

“Why Robert Mugabe?”

“Didn’t you read that story about 50-year old Grace Mugabe, First Lady of Zimbabwe, buying her Robert, a special wheelchair?”

“The way you pronounced Robert, you make it sound like Robot”

“Isn’t that what the 91-year old President of Zimbabwe has become, a Robot. Grace Mugabe’s Robot”

“Sad. In his days, Robert Mugabe, multiple degrees holder, was a shining star. And now, his wife is pushing him around”

“She actually has a PhD, awarded in two months, without examination or dissertation, by her Robert in his capacity as Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe!”

“Mugabe! A Pan-Africanist, who stood up to the British and neo-colonial imperialism; today, he is falling down at public functions, he reads the wrong speech in parliament, he is old and tired, and yet he won’t quit.”

“He should. Zimbabwe already has the oldest President in the world, and he has been in power since 1980- 35 years!”

“With a wife like “Dis Grace” Mugabe, he won’t. She says she is ready to push the wheelchair herself, just in case anybody is in any doubt.”

“I won’t put anything past that woman. Didn’t she once proclaim that any woman who wears mini-skirt and gets raped should not complain? Is that not the same woman who punched a journalist in the face during a foreign visit?”

“Mugabe has stayed too long and has allowed a woman to destroy his legacy. He is so smitten with “Dis-Grace”, he allegedly fired his Chief of Defence Staff last year for staring at her derriere!”

“That’s madness.”

“But the woman get am oh. The thing dey; very seriously. And you know in that part of Africa, the women don’t need to buy it and enhance it like Kim Kardashian, the thing just dey and you can lose your head.”

“I think someday in Africa, we’d have to start voting for these First Ladies too. Voters should be given the right to choose the President’s wife, or at least they should be screened by parliament. In Africa, the wives wield so much influence.”

“They do in other places too. It is the man that matters.”

“When Mugabe sits in that wheelchair, Zimbabwe is finished!”

“For democracy to work, we need to worry about the leadership recruitment process in Africa. How do we free democracy from a debilitating sense and culture of entitlement. How do we get persons who are still up to it, and who will not aspire to rule till they are on wheelchair or life-long medication.”

““All men who play God and who aspire to be God, let them be reminded, it is just six feet. In Cameroon, Paul Biya has been sitting tight for 33 years, in Congo, Nguesso has been in power for 36 years, in Equitorial Guinea, Mbasogo is almost a god in human form. And you have dos Santos in Angola (36 years) Bashir in Sudan (22 years) Museveni in Uganda (29 years), Idris Deby in Chad (25 years) and Jammeh in Gambia (21 years).”

“Six feet. Just six feet in the grave.”

“I hope they all know.”

“It is also a lesson for the poor, including those young ones who play God with their talents.”

“Absolutely. There are people these days who play God with their laptops, their pens and I-pads. Imagine some people jubilating over other people’s misfortune.”

“Six feet, my brother, not an inch more nor less. In the grave, all men are equal.”

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"Job, Wealth Creation Key To Global Peace, Security" -Says Okowa @ United Nations' Forum

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November 27, 2015

"Job, Wealth Creation Key To Global Peace, Security" -Says Okowa @ United Nations' Forum

Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –

Governor of Nigeria’s oil rich Delta State, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has called on the international community to partner with African nations on job and wealth creation “as a means to ensuring global peace and security.”

Delivering the Keynote Address at the Africa Industrialization Day at the United Nations Office in New York, Wednesday, Dr Okowa said beyond creating awareness of the challenges of industrialisation in Africa, the Forum should address the need for “firm commitments to strengthen partnerships that will drive industrialisation in Africa, create jobs and sustainable opportunities for youths, women and all people to enjoy better social and economic well-being.”

The Africa Industrialization Day is celebrated on November 20 every year under the auspices of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to mobilise the commitment of the international community to the industrialization of Africa. The theme for this year’s event was “SMEs for Poverty Eradication and Job Creation for Women and Youth.”

At a symposium to mark the event, Governor Okowa commended “UNIDO’s passion and dedication to spurring Africa’s industrialization,” pointing out that the occasion “is a reminder to all of us, of the need to redirect Africa’s economic development position from being a global supplier of raw materials and primary commodities to one with progressive value addition through agro-processing, agro-industrialization and beneficiation of solid minerals.”

Noting that “SMEs are engines for cost-effective employment generation, social inclusion, equitable development and self-reliant industrialization using local raw materials,” the Governor lamented that they have not flourished in Africa due to “funding gaps, infrastructure deficit, energy problems and poor governance structures.”

Dr. Okowa informed the gathering that Nigeria’s policies through successive administrations have revolved around the growth and development of SMEs as catalysts for economic development. According to him, “the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) are frantically taking measures to enhance the performance and growth of youth- and women-owned micro and small enterprises through a host of concessional financing initiatives spanning equity financing, debt financing, loan guarantees and grants.

“In Delta State where I am Governor, we have developed a road map to engage our youths and women in productive enterprises and ensure inclusive growth. Our strategic approach is a comprehensive programme of youth training, development and empowerment in agricultural enterprises and vocational skills, microcredit to support small and medium scale enterprises, and the creation of a conducive business and investment environment. Also we are undertaking concerted measures for the integration of agricultural and agro-industrial development based on our comparative-advantage commodities, particularly cassava, oil palm and aquaculture.”

He called for international support of the State’s Job and Wealth Creation Scheme, which is in its six months of operation. “In particular,” he said, “we would leverage financing and technical assistance from international and global agencies, including the United Nations, to enhance performance and sustainability of our Job and Wealth Creation Scheme.”

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa today met with the Executive Director of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Professor Babatunde Osotimehin, to explore ways of collaboration and partnership with the UN body for the good and development of Delta State.

The brief meeting centred on how to bolster the State’s primary health care system and improve investment in education. Professor Osotimehin, a former Minister of Health in Nigeria, said he was impressed by Governor Okowa’s “commitment and humility” and pledged the assistance of UNFPA to enable the administration achieve its developmental aspirations.

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E.I.C: Albert Eruorhe Ograka

Gov. Okowa Commends "Purpose Driven" Online Publishers *Seeks Fair, Balance Publications

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November 26, 2015

Gov. Okowa Commends "Purpose Driven" Online Publishers *Seeks Fair, Balance Publications

Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –

Online media practitioners have been told to constantly publish verifiable truth and adhere to the principles of fairness and balance.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state said this at the formal launch of the Online Publishers Association of Nigeria (OPAN) in Lagos on Thursday, November 26, 2015.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah who stood in for the governor at well attended epoch making event said:

“As far as I am concerned, if a medium constantly publishes verifiable truth, it is for the good of the society, as long as the principles of fairness and balance are strictly adhered to.

“Let the truth be your watchword at all times. It is only truth that can stand the test of time and make those who disagree with you to earn your respect.

“There are questions that writers should always seek answers: is my intention to build; is my quest for thepubli; will it promote good governance and sustainable development? These are the salient questions that need to be addressed in the course of your duties.

“I am happy that a good majority are purpose driven. They see hopes instead of despair, opportunities in the face of global economic meltdown, the dire need for the diversification of the economy and the unity of our people. To this group, I commend your efforts.”

President of OPAN, Olufemi Awoyemi, in a speech titled “The Imperative of Standards”said the Association has set what obtains in the Euro Zone and the United States of America (USA) as its benchmark for its members, considering the high level of internet penetration in Nigeria.

Country Manager of Google Nigeria, Mrs Juliet Ehimuan Chiazor, in a keynote speech said, “We don’t just go online, we live online. About 50 million Nigerians are online and online transcends geographical boundaries.”

Guest Speaker, Mr Nduka Obiagbena, Chairman, Thisday Newspapers and President, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) described online as a mass distribution platform for Media and journalism. He said what has changed is bringing in the digital age and therefore advised online publishers to adhere strictly to the core tenets of journalism.

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E.I.C: Albert Eruorhe Ograka

UK Begins Deportation Of Nigerians For Various Offences *50 Persons Deported In First Batch

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November 26, 2015

UK Begins Deportation Of Nigerians For Various Offences *50 Persons Deported In First Batch

Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –

Blank NEWS Online. can authoritatively report that no fewer than 50 Nigerians were on Wednesday, November 2015 deported from the United Kingdom (U.K) for allegedly committing various offences in the country.

The deportees, made of 44 males and six females, were flown into Nigeria at about 6.30 a.m. in a chartered B767 aircraft belonging to PITAN Airways.

The deportees were received and screened at the cargo terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport by officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NISA while sources at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) disclosed that some of them were deported for immigration-related offences.

Those who have allegedly committed criminal offences were handed over to officers from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Spokesperson of the NIS, Mr. Ekpedeme King stated that the United Kingdom Government on Wednesday deported only 48 Nigerians over immigration related offences. “Some of them have overstayed their visa,” King said.

A source said that FAAN was expecting no fewer than 500 deportees, adding that this was only the first batch.

But a top immigration officials at MMIA, who spoke to newsmen, said the 48 deportees had nothing to do with the 29,000 Nigerians that the UK was planning to deport back into the country.

Recall that the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Mr Olukunle Bamgbose, had recently disclosed that the UK Government had plans to deport about 29,000 Nigerians.

The federal government had recently expressed concern over the UK’s plan to deport 29,000 Nigerians, and has insisted that due process be followed before its citizens are being removed from the UK.

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E.I.C: Albert Eruorhe Ograka

"Political Party Can Substitute Dead Candidate" -Says AGF *As INEC Fixes Dec. 5 For Kogi Supplementary Election

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November 24, 2015

"Political Party Can Substitute Dead Candidate" -Says AGF *As INEC Fixes Dec. 5 For Kogi Supplementary Election

Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will substitute its candidate as a result of the death of Abubakar Audu last Sunday, after leading in the Kogi state governorship election.

This is a just as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed December 5, 2015 for the supplementary election in Kogi State.

Making the clarification on Tuesday at a seminar in Abuja, organised by the Nigerian Law Reform Commission on the reform of the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (Establishment) Act‎, the AGF said the election has to be concluded.

He said since the primary conducted by the APC prior to the election is still valid, the candidate that came second may have to be considered as replacement.

‎Malami said, “The issue is very straightforward. Fundamentally, section 33 of the Electoral Act is very clear‎ that in case of death, the right for substitution by a political party is sustained by the provisions of section 33 of the Electoral Act.

“And if you have a community reading of that section with section 221 of the constitution which clearly indicates that the right to vote is the right of a political party and the party in this case, the APC has participated in the conduct of the election.

“It is therefore apparent that ‎the combination community reading of the two provisions does not leave any room for conjecture.

“APC as a party is entitled to substitution by the clear provisions of section 33 of the Electoral Act. Also section 221 of the Constitution is clear that the votes that were cast were cast in favour of the APC.

“Arising from that deduction, it does not require any legal interpretation. The interpretation is clear, APC will substitute, which right has been sustained by section 33 of the Electoral Act. So be it.

“The supplementary election has to be conducted along the line.”

Asked if ‎that substitution should automatically benefit the deputy governorship candidate, he said: “It all depends on the appreciation of issues arising from the primaries conducted before now.

“There was a first and a second candidate. Those primaries that had taken place over time had not by anyway been nullified. And it is recognized by law.

“But then a further consideration would be the idea of conducting another primary but that is not envisaged in view of the sustainability of the first primaries.‎”

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed December 5, 2015 for the supplementary election in Kogi State.

In a statement signed by INEC Secretary, Mrs. Augusta Ogakwu, on Tuesday, the commission said it had on November 23 received formal notice about the death of Abubakar Audu, the APC governorship candidate.

“The commission has, after due consideration of the circumstances, decided as follows:

“To conclude the process by conducting election in the 91 affected Polling Units as announced by the Returning Officer.

“To allow the All Progressives Congress to fill the vacancy created by the death of its candidate

“To conduct the supplementary election on 5th December, 2015

“Accordingly, notice is hereby given to all the 22 Political Parties participating in the Kogi Governorship Election that supplementary election in the 91 affected Polling Units shall hold on 5th December, 2015.”

It could be recalled that the November 21 governorship election which the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, late Abubakar Audu won was declared inconclusive by INEC.

The Returning Officer, Prof Emmanuel Kucha, had declared the election inconclusive because the 49, 953 votes that were cancelled were more than the margin of votes with which the APC candidate emerged winner.

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E.I.C: Albert Eruorhe Ograka

Safety: Uzum Cautions Deltans On Bush Burning, Warns Motorists On Risk Driving

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November 23, 2015

Safety: Uzum Cautions Deltans On Bush Burning, Warns Motorists On Risk Driving

Nigeria, November 23, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

The Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Orientation and Social Development (SSA-OSD), Barr. Eugene Uzum has called on Deltans and residents in the state to be cautious of actions that could lead to fire outbreaks during the Harmattan period.

He appealed to the people to be more safety-conscious in order to avert fire disasters as a result of incessant bush burning, arsonists attacks, poor handling of electrical appliances, explosive and inflammable materials, among others.

Uzum, particularly expressed concerns over uncontrolled bush burning that could destroy the oil pipelines, which according to him, is an act of vandalization, hence it hinders the nation’s economic growth.

He said the Orientation and Social Development (SSA-OSD) office has already embarked on series of sensitization programmes and activities to educate the public on the dangers of fire outbreaks and its effects on lives and property.

He further called on the relevant agencies of government to sustain their proactive responses to distress calls.

In the same vein, Barr. Uzum has called on motorists plying the federal highways and state roads to become more careful by obeying road traffic rules, avoid drink-driving and excessive speed during the yultide, saying that lives lost cannot be regained.

While warning motorists to exercise caution during these ember months so as to avoid crashes, he disclosed thàt the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led administration had decided to embark on the construction and rehabilitation of roads in the state to ensure safer roads for lives and property.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Orientation and Social Development said his office had also been sponsoring jingle on the media on the need for motorists to obey traffic rules as well as avoidance of bush burning among others.

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E.I.C: Albert Eruorhe Ograka

Leading Kogi APC Guber Candidate, Abubakar Audu Is Dead *As INEC Declares Polls Inconclusive

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November 23, 2015

Leading Kogi APC Guber Candidate, Abubakar Audu Is Dead *As INEC Declares Polls Inconclusive

Nigeria, November 23, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

Prince Abubakar Audu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded governorship election in Kogi State, has died.

Audu, a former governor of the state, who was ahead in the just concluded election, died of heart attack according to sources within the APC.

Prince Audu was said to have suffered a heart attack after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which had earlier announced all the results, later declared the election as inconclusive.

Another source claimed that Audu died on Sunday even before the result of the Saturday, November 21 governorship election in the state was declared inconclusive by INEC.

The Returning Officer, Prof Emmanuel Kucha, had said that the number of votes cancelled, 49,953 was more than the margin with which Mr Audu won the election.

The APC candidate, Audu, polled 240,867 while his closest rival, Idris Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party candidate polled 199,514 votes.

INEC is thus expected to fix new date for supplementary election.

Family sources said Audu died before help could come his way. He would be buried on Monday morning according to Islamic rites.

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Founder Of 05 Initiative, Dame Okowa Commissions Sickle Cell Clinic In Ughelli

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November 20, 2015

Founder Of 05 Initiative, Dame Okowa Commissions Sickle Cell Clinic In Ughelli

Nigeria, November 20, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

True to her promise to replicate the 05 Initiative project in all Central Hospitals in Delta state, Her Excellency, Dame Mrs. Edith Okowa has formally commissioned the Sickle Cell Clinic at the Central Hospital, Ughelli.

Shortly after the commissioning, Dame Okowa who is also the founder of the 05 Initiative inspected the various equipment in the laboratory amid jubilation from the people who came out enmasse to show appreciation.

In her address, Dame Okowa who is also the founder of the 05 Initiative expressed confidence that the challenges posed by sickle cell disorder would soon be a thing of the past, considering the successes recorded so far by the 05 Initiative.

While insisting that medication is free at the established centres, inspite of the cost of drugs and equipment, she encouraged Deltans, irrespective of their positions, especially elected officials and political appointees to join hands with the 05 Initiative to bring sucour to carriers of sickle cell anaemia through effective, intensive medical treatment, advocacy and enlightenment campaigns.

Laboratory technicians with the blood analyzer for full blood count (FBC) bought by 05 Initiative

She said the project is not political but an offshoot of the prosperity agenda of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration, assuring that it would be replicated in all the Central Hospitals in Delta state for the good of all Deltans.

Earlier in her welcome speech, Director General of the 05 Initiative, Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas, who explained that the project is like the “heart beat” of Her Excellency, Dame Mrs. Edith Okowa, encouraged parents to always visit nearby hospitals as soon as they notice any disorder in their children and wards.

She said the aim of the 05 Initiative to establish a one-stop Sickle Cell Clinic at all Central Hospitals in the state has been achieved with the establishment of the clinic at the Central Hospital, Ughelli, shortly after the flag-off at the Central Hospital, Agbor.

The Delta state Commisioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge thanked the founder of 05 Initiative and her team for giving hope to people with Sickle cell disorder, adding that the Ministry of Health would provide all needed support to make the programmme a huge success.

During his presentation titled Living With Sickle Cell, Dr. Vincent Ofuonye, disclosed that the systemic approach by the 05 Initiative in tackling the prevalence of Sickle cell anaemia is yielding positive results, as sufferers who were hitherto stigmatized are undergoing useful counselling. He however disclosed that there is cure for Sickle cell anaemia through bone marrow transplant in children and gene therapy.

On his part, Dr. Patrick Omu while presenting a slideshow titled Sickle Cell Disease in Pregnant Women, encouraged women with the disorder to always undergo medical check-up to curtail high risk associated with delivery during pregnancy.

Justice Excell Timi, who called on carriers to ignore societal acclamations to the disorder, revealed that she was diagnosed of having sickle cell while she was eleven years, but had remained steadfast to her faith and determination to succeed in life.

She therefore advised carriers to always consult only professional medical personnel to stay fit and healthy.

For Hon. Samuel Marierie (Ughelli North I) and -Hon. Eric Oharisi (Ughelli North II) both members of the Delta State House of Assembly, the project would be given its due attention by complementing the initiative of the Her Excellency, Dame Okowa through the provision of medical equipment at the hospital.

Highlight of the event was songs and drama presentations by children and members of the Sickle Cell Club.

Recall that the inaugural flag-off of the project, aimed at bringing sucour to carriers of sickle cell anaemia through efffective and intensive medical treatment and enlightenment the flag-of of the children sickle cell unit at the Central Hospital, Agbor on Monday, September 21, 2015.

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E.I.C: Albert Eruorhe Ograka

Gov. Okowa Salutes Former President Jonathan at 58

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November 19, 2015

Gov. Okowa Salutes Former President Jonathan at 58

Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa has extolled the virtues of former president, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, describing him as a committed patriot.

The Governor who personally wrote to congratulate the former leader on his 58th birthday said the present administration in Delta State will continue to count on the former president’s support.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, noted in a statement yesterday that Governor Okowa wrote to felicitate with former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on the occasion of his 58th birthday which comes up on Friday November 20.

According to him, Governor Okowa prayed that Almighty God will continue to bless the former president with good health and long life.

Aniagwu quoted the Governor as saying: “It is with profound joy that I write on behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, to express very warm felicitations to you.

“I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for His continued guidance, protection and provision for you in the past 58 years of a life of forthrightness and outstanding patriotism with which He has blessed you.”

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Why Okowa Cancelled Uduaghan's N6 Bn BRT Project **Approves Over N5 Bn For Other Roads In Delta

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November 19, 2015

Why Okowa Cancelled Uduaghan's N6 Bn BRT Project **Approves Over N5 Bn For Other Roads In Delta

em>Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –

THE Delta State Executive Council presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, has approved the dismantling of the N6 Billion Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) lane in Warri which was initiated and later abandoned by former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration.

The Exco at its meeting on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 in Government House, Asaba also approved more than N5 billion for the construction of some roads in parts of the state.

Briefing the press on the outcome of the executive council meeting chaired by the state Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the Commissioner for Works, Chief John Augoye disclosed that the EXCO has approved the dismantling of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) lane in Warri.

But Commissioner Augoye stated further that, the dismantling of the BRT lane in Warri was to ease congestion on the road and was in line with the yearnings of the people in Warri and Effurun vicinity, adding that the road was also approved for expansion.

It could be recalled that the Delta state Government, under erstwhile Governor Emanuel Uduaghan, had earmarked six billion naira for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane project in Warri, starting from Effurun roundabout to terminate at the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA).

While still in office, the proposed BRT project by the Uduaghan administration was hailed by many Deltans, especially residents of Warri until his exit from office as executive governor of Delta state.

Shortly after his tenure elapsed, the project which had already commenced and steadily gulping some funds, came under wide condemnation as it became clear to Deltans that the project would exceed the esrtwhile governor’s tenure as it was due to be completed by his successor.

A Warri-based lawyer, Barrister Jah’sWill Onyemah-Iwe had appealed to the incumbent Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to do away with the Warri Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, lamenting that its abandonment was bringing untold hardship to the people.

Also, a Human Right Activist, Barr. Omemiroro Maxwell Ogedegbe condemned Uduaghan’s discontinuation of the proposed Delta cum Warri BRT project saying the action highly demonstrated the purposeless focus of the former governor notwithstanding the traffic hazard it had created for the citizenry.

Meanwhile, former Governor Uduaghan is alleged to have declared that the much talked about Warri BRT project might not be completed by his administration owing to lack of fund.

Earlier in July, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro, at a meeting convened for Stakeholders at the Governor’s Office Annext Warri, said the State Government would consider the perception of benefitting communities and other stakeholders in arriving at a collective decision on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Scheme in Effurun-Warri.

Despite the slide show presentation by representative of the contracting firm, Mr. Biodun Otunola, on the viability and delivery of a standard BRT project, which he said was currently hampered by funding and compensation matters, several stakeholders were not persuaded.

The Ovie (King) of Uvwie Kingdom, Abe I, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the State, Chief Victor Otomevwo, amongst several others spoke against the project, saying it had brought untold hardship. The people largely advocated for dualization of the road to address frequent traffic jams currently experienced.

The Deputy Governor however said as soon as issues bordering on the BRT project are sorted out, the State Government would make its decision known to Deltans.

Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah moderated the Press briefing on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 which also saw the Commissioners for Water Resources, Chief Fidelis Tilije; that of Transport, Mr Vincent Uduaghan, among others addressing the Press on the outcome of the meeting.

Speaking on the over N5 billion earmarked for the construction of some roads in parts of the state by the Okowa administration, the Commissioner for Works, Chief John Augoye disclosed that the dualization of Sapele road from Amukpe roundabout would gulp the sum of N2.056 billion, while the dualization of Nnebisi Road to Cable Point, Asaba will cost N1.076 billion.

Other road projects are: Ozanogogo road phase II (N1.6999 billion); Ejiyeren/Akemu road (N169.2 million) and the main axial road, Okerenkoko (N121.3 million).

He added that Kefas Road, Oleh and access road to Tankers Park, Warri have been completed while there are other roads being constructed in different parts of the state and the contractors handling the section A of Ughelli/Asaba road and the Okpanam road projects have been directed to return to site as the rains have stopped.

Chief Tilije during the briefing, said the executive council approved the Delta State Water and Sanitation policy to streamline all activities in the water sector and regulate government investment in the provision of portable water in the state.

He also stated that the multi-billion naira Warri/Effurun water project has been approved for concessioning to ensure that “portable water runs in homes,” while the Commissioner for Transport, said the executive council approved the operationalisation of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority Law to ensure that road users comply with road traffic rules.

In line with the yearnings of the original owners of stores in Sapele market, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Ukah disclosed that the executive council approved that stores earlier allocated be revoked and money refunded to those who have paid while a more transparent and equitable distribution of the stores would be done with the original owners of stores getting priority treatment.

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E.I.C: Albert Eruorhe Ograka

Delta Assembly clears Agbaja, rejects Njokanma *Names Ibori, Omovie, Ofobruku Committee Chairmen

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November 18, 2015

Delta Assembly clears Agbaja, rejects Njokanma *Names Ibori, Omovie, Ofobruku Committee Chairmen

Nigeria, November 18, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

The Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday screened and confirmed Barrister Peter Ovo Agbaja as secretary to Uvwie Local Government.

The House also rejected the nominee for the Auditor General of Delta State.

Mrs. Mary Olohimai Brown Njokanma, current Auditor General (LGs) was rejected by the House on the ground of exceeding the civil service constitutionally stipulated working period.

Agbaja, a legal practitioner, attended Esedo Primary School, Effurun, Aunty Rose Nursery and Primary school, Ugboroke, St Malachy’s Grammar School, Sapele, St Peter Claver’s College, Aghalokpe and Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

In another development, the Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon Ovwigho Igbuya, Tuesday, released the list of appointed Committee Chairmen, their respective deputies and members.

Igbuya who made the announcement of lawmakers that would chair the different committees for the 6th Assembly charged the committee members to perform their duties assiduously.

“Follow the rules and report to the majority leader of the House” he directed.

The list as read out by Igbuya during Plenary has Hon Erhiatake Ibori as the chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation. House Committee on DESOPADEC is to be chaired by Hon Denis Omovie, while Hon Daniel Mayuku heads the committee on Education.

*Legislative Compliance/Tender Board -Hon Friday Osanebi

*Urban Renewal -Hon Festus Okoh Chukwuyem

*Science and Technology -Hon Oboro Preyor

*Water Resources -Hon Samuel Mariere

*Agriculture -Hon Evans Ochuko Ivwurie

*Commerce and Industry -Hon Osi Samuel Okocha

*Peace and Security -Hon Michael Diden

*Housing -Hon Angela Nwaka

*Works -Hon Efe Godfrey Ofobruku

*Special Duties -Hon Kennedy Doubry

*Inter- Parliamentary -Hon Pat Ajudua

*Public Petition -Hon Esievo Orezi Jane Edna

*Rules, Business and Judiciary
Local Government -Hon Azuka Azaka

*Youth and Sports -Hon Godwin Abigor

*Culture and Tourism -Hon Peter Okaibare Uviejitobor

*Information -Hon Tim Kome Owhefere

*Environment, Oil and Gas -Daniel Yingi

*Power and Energy -Hon Peter Onwusanya

*Education -Daniel Mayuku

*Asaba Capital Development Authority -Hon Sheriff Ogaga Oborevwori

*Public Accounts Committee -Hon Anthony Elekeokwuri
*Finance and Appropriation -Hon Erhiatake Ibori

*DESOPADEC -Hon Denis Omovie

*Establishment -Hon Johnson Erijo

*Transport -Hon Alphonsus Ojo

*Lands and Survey -Hon Eric Orienoghenebruru Oharisi

*Health -Hon Tonye Timi

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Okowa Challenges Niger Delta Governors On Sustainable Devt

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November 17, 2015

Okowa Challenges Niger Delta Governors On Sustainable Devt

Nigeria, November 17, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

Delta State Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left) and Executive Director PIND Foundation, Mr. Sam Daibo, during his arrival at the Niger Delta Development Forum 2015, in Asaba.

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr lfeanyi Okowa, has challenged government of the Niger Delta States to harness the region’s natural resources for sustainable growth and development.

Governor Okowa made the call today (17-11-15) in Asaba during a 2-day Niger Delta Development Forum with the theme, “Collaborative Efforts For Stimulating Investment and Inclusive Economic Growth in the Niger Delta” organized by Partnership Initiative For Niger Delta (PIND).

The Governor also, observed that it was important for collaborative efforts towards speedy growth of the region.

He said, “this forum is an important platform for the various states in the region to focus on challenges and issues of common interest, foster more dynamic and equitable arrangement for regional prosperity and deepen our collaboration for using the region’s natural resources for inclusive growth and sustainable development.”

Senator Okowa described the theme of the conference as apt, explaining that “the principal objective of policy making should be to design strategies and programmes that engender inclusive growth and sustainable development; this is the focus of our administration.”

He charged participants at the forum to identify areas of co- operation among states and suggest ways on how to achieve economic diversification, inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibajo, represented by the Managing Director, Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sir Dan Abia, reiterated that collaborative efforts were necessary for the growth of the Niger Delta saying, “this is the time for all spectres of public, political, communal and private sector leadership to show a sincere desire and an uncanny ability to design and protect the integrity of the developmental process in the Niger-Delta region”

Mr. Micheal Harvey of the United State Agency For International Development (USAID) and Deputy Governor Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, called on all stakeholders in the region to focus on the provision of infrastructure development, peace and security to encourage investors to come to the region.

Earlier, the Executive Director of PIND Foundation, Mr. Sam Daibo, said, the forum was organized to push for policy reforms and seek roles for the private sector in the development of the Niger Delta region, stressing that partnership and collaboration was necessary in providing conducive environment for private sector participation in the development of the region.

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Pomp As Ozegbe Emerges As Okpala-Uku Of Utagba-Uno

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November 17, 2015

Pomp As Ozegbe Emerges As Okpala-Uku Of Utagba-Uno

Nigeria, November 17, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

HRM Nduka Ozegbe has been adopted as the Okpala-Uku of Utagba-Uno, Ndokwa West local government area of Delta State.

The Okpala-Uku was adopted on Saturday, November 2015 when he was presented to the world at a colourful ceremony witnessed by eminent personalities from the community and other ethnic nationalities in the country.

Adoption of Okpala-Uku Ozegbe was done at the conclusion of rites of passage of his predecessor, HRM late Okpala-Uku Ajieh Ogwezi who joined his ancestors on July 10, 2015.

According to a statement signed by Chairman, Utagba-Uno Progress Forum (UPF), Okwa James Izah, his vice, Okwa Stephen Ebinum, Secretary, Mr John Uwadia, coordinators, Barr. Chidi Egwuenu, Prof. Andrew Ojie and Chief M. Kelikume, “on the 18th of October, 2015, all the nine Okpala-Ukus in the seven quarters, their Oduas and Nde Okwa together with all the Onotu-Ukus of the seven quarters and other Utagba-Uno citizens were invited by Utagba-Uno Progress Forum for the purpose of determining the successor Okpala-Uku clanhead of Utagba-Uno and it was resolved by process of age grade ascertainment that Okpala-Uku Nduka Ozegbe of Umuseti quarters is the present Okpala-Uku, the Clanhead of Utagba-Uno on the basis of gerontocracy.”

Okwa Ebinum at the occasion observed that the people of Utagba-Uno are very peaceful and lauded the traditional way of choosing the Okpala-Uku which was without discord as the other Okpala-Ukus were aware of who the oldest person is.

While disclosed that the formal installation ceremony of the new Okpala-Uku would take place on a later date, Okwa Ebinum used the occasion to call on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration to assist the community by tarring their roads to enable them get their farm produce to the city, stating, “we are mainly farmers in Utagba-Uno, we need good roads to take our products to the cities, we also, need other government presence and we are appealing to the Governor to assist us.”

Also Barr. Egwuenu at the occasion thanked the people for believing in their age-long tradition and called on them to remain united and support the new Okpala-Uku and come out emmasse during his formal installation ceremony.

Different traditional dancers performed at the ceremony.

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MISINFORMATION AND RUNAWAY NEW MEDIA

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November 16, 2015

Nigeria, November 16, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

During World War II. Germany’s Adolf Hitler was a master of propaganda and misinformation, through his “Genius of Spin” Joseph Goebbels. Later, the allies and western countries borrowed a page from Hitler’s book and started dropping leaflets to divide the enemies’ camp. US Franklin D. President Roosevelt created the Office of War Information (O.W.I.) in 1942 and an affiliated Writers’ War Board, while British Political Warfare Executive (P.W.E.) was created the previous year (1941) by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill using it to disseminate propaganda that would damage enemy morale. Within four years, the British Broadcasting Company’s foreign language used radio stations, postcards and leaflets to do the damage. Today, the “leaflets” are in a different form and more portable. The Old Media is now confronted with the New Media.

The New Media poses a great problem in Nigeria. We were already battling “Cash and Carry” journalism and now it has been compounded by electronic witch hunt, blackmail, sycophantic reporting, and the plagiarism violating cut-and-paste reportage. There has always been problems with regulating media practitioners and this has become exacerbated by the proliferation of New Media.

Anyone with a computer or hand-held device such as android or I-phone can become an arm-chair journalist and claim to be practicing journalism. Or is it as Karol Jakubowicz puts it that we have the problem of “Media or media-like activities performed by non-media actors.” Journalism is “the publication of accounts of contemporary events, conditions or persons of possible significance or interest to the public, based on information believed to be reliable.” (McQuail, (2008).

Adolf Hitler‘s Minister of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda (“Genius of Spin”) Dr. Paul Joseph Goebbels

So, what exactly is New Media? Or should I ask, what are New Media since Media is the plural of medium. For simplicity, I will refer to the phrase “New Media” in the singular as a compound noun. New Media has been broadly defined “as the ability to combine text, audio, digital video, interactive multimedia, virtual reality, the Web, email, chat, a cell phone, a PDA such as the Palm Pilot or BlackBerry, computer applications, and any source of information accessible by a personal computer.” (Robert Logan, Understanding New Media: Extending Marshall McLuhan). See also The Language of New Media by Lev Manovich and a multiple authors 463 page publication titled “New Media – A Critical Introduction (2009 , Routledge, 2nd Edition).

A great dilemma with the New Media, is the legal ramifications. The United Nations is still trying to wrap itself around policing internet crimes, and will someday have to deal with issues of defamation in New Media. Defamation is really a legal Siamese twins. One is libel (written) and the other is slander (spoken). Both must be published to be actionable in law. The video on YouTube is published slanderous material and the written story on Facebook is potentially libelous.

As an international lawyer, I know the issues surrounding in persona jurisdiction, not to talk of subject matter jurisdiction. Briefly, in persona jurisdiction is jurisdiction over the person (corpus) so that you can sue them, while subject matter jurisdiction usually refers to which court (place) can hear a lawsuit. This simplified explanation means that to sue someone in a particular court for a particular matter, you must have both personal and subject matter jurisdiction. With the advent of New Media, the issue of jurisdiction has become complicated. Assuming you want to sue a journalist for defamation, where do you file the lawsuit? The journalist sitting on his computer in China that fabricates or obfuscates a story that is derogative to you, may be unreachable. Do you use his computer IP address? Some of us that travel and write can tell you of scenario where a story is started in Nigeria, sent to the media House while you are transiting via Wi-Fi at London Heathrow Airport, only to edit it in North America.

Recently, two journalists were casting aspersions on each other because they both believed they had to do this to zealously represent their principals (clients). The words published on Facebook and WhatsApp were defamatory at best. Where then are the ethics or rules of engagement? Let us not forget so soon the last general elections and the role of the New Media in perpetration of lies before, during and after the elections.

There is so much misinformation going out. Immediately, President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in, a list of his alleged ministers emerged in the social media, which was a hoax. Even before Senate President Bukola Saraki opened the official list from the Presidency on September 30, the New Media was at it again. Just last week, phantom portfolios were given to the confirmed Ministers by the New Media. This again proved to be wrong. This must be stopped. We must regulate our runaway New Media locally, nationally and internationally.

There is a plethora of writings encouraging Self-regulation and co-regulation of new media content globally. The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the National Assembly should get on board to control the situation. We can look for guidance from the Global Network lnitiative, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and the Global Online Freedom Act of 2007 bill submitted to the US House of Representatives.

On the positive side, new Media has been instrumental in dissemination of urgently needed information. In fact, some credit New Media with propelling the Arab Springs, although there are abundant evidence to the contrary. It has also been stated that “New media must be understood as part of a wider information arena in which new and old media form complex interrelationships.” (BLOGS AND BULLETS II: NEW MEDIA AND CONFLICT AFTER THE ARAB SPRING).

New Media is now indispensable. It must be used to do things in a new, but accountable way. Change, they say, has come.

*Alex O. Atawa-Akpodiete, a public Affairs Analyst and Media Consultant, writes from Washington DC.

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CHIKE OGEAH'S FATHER PASSES ON @ 88

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November 16, 2015

Nigeria, November 16, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

Late Ogbueshi Dr Francis Uzoma Kwentua Ogeah

Dr Francis Uzoma Kwentua Ogeah, father of Chike Ogeah, immediate past Commissioner for Information, Delta State, has passed on.

Dr. Ogeah, a distinguished medical doctor, philanthropist and community leader, died peaefully in Lagos, on Sunday, November 15th, 2015 at 7am.

The Ogbueshi Ogeah was born in Asaba then Western region of Nigeria on 11th November 1927 to the late Obi Thomas Ogeah and Mrs Mgbonkwo Ogeah (née Obanyan) both of Asaba. He was the last of eight children.

He had his secondary education at the Hope Waddel Secondary School Calabar and was trained as a medical doctor at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin Ireland in 1958.

After his house job at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, he joined the civil service of the Western region and subsequently Midwestern region/ state. He worked in Badagry, Sagamu, Ilaro, Warri, Ondo, Sapele, Uromi, Benin, Asaba and Auchi from where he retired from the civil service of Midwestern state in 1972 after the civil war. He established the first private hospital in Asaba, Chukwuweinke Memorial Hospital, in memory of his beloved brother and benefactor Mr Chike Christopher Ogeah. His hospital thrived and he took care of all and sundry- the high and the low of society.

He married the love of his life, the late Titilola Henrietta Ogeah (née Fadipe) in 1958 and they lived together till her death in August 2004. Together,they have three children – Mrs. Ada Akpata, principal of OsaDennis College, Asaba, Dr. Ngozi Onyia, managing director of Paelon Memorial Clinic, Lagos and Chike Ogeah, Esq, vice chairman, Sahcol Aviation Handling Company, Lagos.

He raised the children of several of his late brothers as his own. In recognition of his pivotal role in his family, he was named Ezinwanne by his kindred when he took the Ogbuesi title.

He is survived by his children, grandchildren and great grandchild, Ada and Sonny Akpata, Ngozi and Ejiofor Onyia, Chike and Funke Ogeah, his children. The grand children include Uyi and Gloria Akpata, Unoma and Charles Grant, Abasam Onyia, Osasu and Gbemiga Adelowo, Uche Ogeah, Uzoma Ogeah, Chike Ogeah and Titilola Akpata.

He was a good man, a loving and sacrificing Dad. In the words of Sonny Akpata on being told of his death, “Everyone spoke well of him. He was an upright and principled man.”
He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and patients.

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Act Of War' Was Organized By ISIS With Insiders' Aid -Says French President Francois Hollande

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November 14, 2015

Act Of War' Was Organized By ISIS With Insiders' Aid -Says French President Francois Hollande

Nigeria, November 14, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – (with Agency Reports)

French President Francois Hollande said on Saturday the deadly attacks in Paris that killed 127 people were “an act of war” organized from abroad by Islamic State with internal help.
He said he would address parliament on Monday in an extraordinary meeting and the country would observe three days of official mourning.
French President Francois Hollande said a state of emergency would be declared across France and national borders shut following a spate of attacks in Paris on Friday evening in which he said dozens were killed and several wounded.
“It is horrifying,” Hollande said in a brief statement on television, adding that a cabinet meeting had been called.
“A state of emergency will be declared,” he said. “The second measure will be the closure of national borders,” he added.
“We must ensure that no one comes in to commit any act whatsoever, and at the same time make sure that those who have committed these crimes should be arrested if they try to leave the country,” he added.
Shortly after the speech, Hollande’s office announced that he was canceling his participation at the G20 meeting in Turkey this weekend while a mandatory curfew was instituted in Paris, the first since 1944.
Shortly after midnight Paris time, a French government official said the country’s state of emergency had gone into effect.
* * *
Below is a full translation of Hollande’s speech:
“My dear compatriots,
As I speak, terrorist attacks of unprecedented proportions are underway in the Paris area. There are dozens killed, there are many injured. It is horrifying.
We have, on my decision, mobilized all forces possible to neutralize the terrorists and make all concerned areas safe. I have also asked for military reinforcements. They are currently in the Paris area, to ensure that no new attack can take place. I have also called a cabinet meeting that will be held in a few minutes.
Two decisions have been made: a state of emergency will be declared, which means that some places will be closed, traffic may be halted, and searches may be conducted throughout Ile de France (greater Paris). The state of emergency applies throughout the country.
The second decision I have made is to close the borders. We must ensure that no one enters to commit any crimes and that those who have committed the crimes that we have unfortunately seen can also be arrested if they try to leave the country.
This is a terrible ordeal which once again assails us. We know where it comes from, who these criminals are, who these terrorists are.
In these difficult moments, we must — and I’m thinking of the many victims, their families and the injured — show compassion and solidarity. But we must also show unity and calm.
In the face of terror, France must be strong, it must be great and the state authorities must be firm. We will be.
We must also call on everyone to be responsible.
The terrorists want to scare us and fill us with dread. There is indeed reason to be afraid. There is dread, but in the face of this dread, there is a nation that knows how to defend itself, that knows how to mobilize its forces and, once again, will defeat the terrorists.
French citizens, we have not finished our operations. There are still some before us that will be extremely difficult. Security forces are at this very moment conducting a raid at a location in Paris.
I ask you to keep all your trust in what we can do with the security forces to protect our nation from terrorist acts.
Long live the Republic and long live France.”
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DELTA: Ebie Lifts Basic, Secondary Education To Global Trend

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November 13, 2015

DELTA: Ebie Lifts Basic, Secondary Education To Global Trend

Nigeria, November 13, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

Delta Commissioner for Basic & Secondary Education

The Delta State Ministry of Basic & Secondary Education is positioning itself to meet the current trends in the world of computerization of information.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Chiedu Ebie made this assertion while declaring open a 2-day enlightenment workshop on Offline Registration and Checking of Results for Basic Education Certificate Examinations for Principals, Examination Officers and School Administrators in public and private secondary schools in the state, at St. Patrick’s College, Asaba.

Mr. Ebie, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. David Onokpe, Directors and Chief Inspectors of Education in the Ministry, averred that the world has come of age in the dissemination of information through computers and the Ministry despite the challenges encountered in the previous exercise, cannot go back to manual method of submitting information by examination Officers, who spent days at the Ministry’s headquarters just to register their students.

He said that the workshop currently running simultaneously in eight centres across the state has become imperative at equipping all stakeholders with the techniques for the conduct of a hitch-free 2015/16 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and similar examinations in the future.

Mr. Ebie while appealing to participants to take the workshop seriously in order to get the techniques of the offline registration and checking of results for BECE, warned that the Ministry would no longer accept excuses for lapses as it has reviewed the whole process aimed at making the exercise hitch free.

Speaking earlier in his welcome address, the Director Examinations and Standards, Dr. Prince Felix Akporugo called on Principals and other participants to pay apt attention on modalities of entering candidates for the offline registration, arrangement of candidates in alphanumerical order, collating of candidates data into electronic format, procedures for access into the websites for checking results and use of candidates number to check results.

While describing the participants as partners in the conduct of examination, Prince Akporugo enjoined them to avail themselves of the ample opportunity of the workshop to adequately equip them for the forthcoming registration of Basic Education Certificate Examination scheduled to commence on Tuesday 1st December, 2015.

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List of Nigerian Ministers & Portfolios

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November 11, 2015

List of Nigerian Ministers & Portfolios

Nigeria, November 11, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

1. Abubakar Malami – Justice

2. Geoffrey Onyeama – Foreign Affairs

3. Khadija Abubakar Abba Ibrahim – State Minister of Foreign Affairs

4. Muhammad Dan Ali – Defence

5. Adamu Adamu – Education

6. Prof Anthony Onwuka – State Minister of Education

7. Kemi Adeosun – Finance

8. Okechukwu Enelama – Industry, Trade and Investment

9. Aisha Abubakar – State Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment

10. Senator Chris Ngige – Labour and Employment

11. James Ocholi – State Minister of Labour and Employment

12. Muhammodu Bello – FCT

13. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau – Interior

14. Senator Udo Udoma – Budget and National Planning

15. Zainab Ahmed – State Minister of Budget and National Planning

16. Ibe Kachikwu – State Minister of Petroleum Resources

17. Babatunde Fashola – Power, Works and Housing

18. Mustapha Baba Shehuri – State Minister of Power, Works and Housing

19. Audu Ogbeh – Agricultural and Rural Development

20. Heineken Lokpobiri – State Minister of Agricultural and Rural Development

21. Rotimi Amaechi – Transportation

21. Hadi Sirika – State Minister of Aviation

22. Isaac Adewole – Health

23. Osagie Ehanire – State Minister of Health

24. Aisha Al-Hassan – Woman Affairs

25. Usani Uguru – Niger Delta

26. Claudius Daramola – State Minister of Niger Delta

27. Adebayo Shittu – Communication

28. Lai Mohammed – Information

29. Amina Mohammed – Environment

30. Usman Jubril – State Minister of Environment

31. Suleiman Adamu – Water Resources

32. Solomon Dalong – Youth and Sports

33. Kayode Fayemi – Solid Minerals

34. Abubakar Bwari – Minister Of States of Solid Minerals

35. Ogbonaya Onu – Science and Technology

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NEXIM Bank, World Bank To Collaborate On Developing Nigeria’s Mining Sector

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November 11, 2015

NEXIM Bank, World Bank To Collaborate On Developing Nigeria’s Mining Sector

ABUJA, Nigeria, November 11, 2015/(Blank NEWS Online) –

“…The clear intention of The World Bank to collaborate with the NEXIM Bank towards a structured intervention in the Nigeria’s solid minerals sector is quite expedient. More so, with commitment and firm resolve of President Muhammad Buhari to diversify the economy, revitalize the mining sector towards boosting job creation and enhancing foreign exchange earnings….” Orya.

L -R: Mr Roberts Orya, MD/CEO Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) and Dr. Francisco Igualada, Senior Mining Specialist, Energy & Extractives Unit, World Bank at the NEXIM Bank Headquarters, Abuja, November 10, 2015

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Mr. Roberts Ungwaga Orya, received a team from the World Bank led by Dr. Francisco Igualada, Senior Mining Specialist, Energy & Extractives Unit, and Mr. Linus Adie Utsu of Mining Investments Consult that visited the Bank to share ideas on how to provide structured intervention towards revamping and deepening Nigeria’s mining sector.

On the work of NEXIM, Mr. Orya informed the team that the Bank was set up to assist the Government in diversifying the Nigerian economy away from the oil through the provision of export credit facility, risk bearing facilities, trade and market information and export advisory services to export-oriented investors in the manufacturing, agro-processing, solid minerals and services (MASS) sectors.

Focusing on solid minerals extraction, Mr. Orya stated that Nigeria is endowed with huge solid mineral deposits, with about 34 products identified in commercial quantities in different parts of Nigeria. However, the failure of Nigeria, since independence in 1960, to put in place a structure that will make the benefits of the exploitation available to all Nigerians has been the bane of the country. The low activity in the solid mineral sector is not yielding the desired financial revenues as there are scanty records of payment of taxes and royalty to the government. Nigeria is losing lots of resources from untapped mineral deposit as well as from the little that is being mined mostly by illegal miners who smuggle the products out of the country. At the moment, according to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reports, the sector accounts for only 0.14 per cent of GDP, and 3.8% of the non-oil export revenue.

Continuing, Mr. Roberts Orya stated that despite its huge potentials, the sector is still grossly underdeveloped and dominated by SME/ artisanal and informal miners using crude machinery and equipment. There are other challenges of poor access to long term funding due to the capital intensive nature of the industry; lack of accredited laboratory for testing and poor infrastructure – roads, rail facilities – to move the products.

Notwithstanding, according to Orya, NEXIM since inception till date has provided interventions to the sector to the tune of N7.17billion. This has created more than 4,302 direct jobs plus many indirect jobs in addition to facilitating foreign exchange flow inflow of US$80, 142 annually. Besides direct funding, towards providing assistance to Nigerian miners, NEXIM had in 2013 supported the Miners Association to move from their inaccessible office in Jos, Plateau State and provided them with free office spaces and facilities at the Bank’s headquarters in Abuja.

Notwithstanding, Mr. Orya indicated that Nigeria could and should actually make the exploitation of solid minerals the mainstay of the economy. He pointedly queried how the country could be earning such paltry revenue and dividends with all the huge solid mineral reserves while in South Africa, the mining industry remains a cornerstone of the economy; making a significant contribution to economic activity (accounts for about 18% of GDP – 8.6% direct, 10% indirect and induced), job creation (one million jobs – 500 000 direct and 500 000 indirect); and foreign exchange earnings creates (more than 50% of all foreign exchange earnings).

Accordingly, for NEXIM, the critical issues ranges from how to get the Government and other stakeholders to properly structure the mining sector, increase funding, and attract much needed investment capital; infrastructural development for the industry, especially the establishment of internationally certified laboratories and setting up of internationally recognized and endorsed mining calendar for Nigeria as prevalent in other regimes with dedicated attention to solid mineral exploitation.

In his own views, Dr Francisco Igualada, the World Bank Senior Mining Specialist, expressed appreciation to the NEXIM MD and his colleagues for welcoming him and his team to the Bank. He shared his knowledge of the mining industry and his organisation’s intervention in the sector over the years indicating that it is fraught with risks and uniquely capital intensive. He wondered why Nigeria, with all its huge resources and potentials has continued to earn less than Ghana, Mali and Burkina Faso from mining activities. According to him, the blame is on the overriding focus on oil and gas by the country at the detriment of neglecting the mining sector which is an enabler for manufacturing, services and other sectors. This is addition to the huge opportunities of job creation, revenue earnings and the development of other support services in the value chain that could have boosted the economy especially with the decline in world oil prices.

According to Dr. Igualada, there is need for a structured consolidation of efforts towards developing the sector. This should focus on building the right capacity both at human and institutional levels; as well as establishing and enforcing the requisite legal and policy frameworks. To him, this is the difference between Nigeria and South Africa.

He pointed out that the World Bank has a PPP (Public Private Partnership) arrangement which it could recommend for the development of the solid minerals sector in Nigeria. He concluded by suggesting that there is a need to revamp efforts and link interventions to develop the sector through arrangements like the Solid Minerals Fund in addition to renewed involvement by the Government. He stated that he will seek the commitment of his office on the development of the mining sector and collaboration with Nexim Bank, especially in regard to workshop participation and capacity training.

Sharing his views, Mr. Linus Adie of Mining Investments Consults indicated that there is a strong need to seize the prevailing opportunity to develop the mining sector. He expressed his dissatisfaction that the World Bank has not been manifestly keen in its approach to the Nigerian mining sector considering the huge potentials. He cited the interventions of World Bank in the Sri Lankan gemstone industry, which is now a big business; and collaborations with Exim Bank in India, among others, through MIGA and IFC; and demanded that Nigeria should be accorded same through NEXIM Bank using same multi- sectorial approach.

In closing, Mr. Roberts Orya thanked the World Bank team and lauded Mr. Linus Adie’s strong advocacy for NEXIM Bank. He regretted the inability of the Solid Minerals Fund to fully take off, especially owing to unresolved legal and other bureaucratic issues. He however reassured the World Bank team that with the commitment and firm resolve of President Muhammad Buhari to diversify the economy, revitalize the mining sector towards boosting job creation and enhancing foreign exchange earnings, that solid minerals will now become the focal sector of the economy. Accordingly, it is unlikely that the challenges of bureaucratic bottle necks and other such issues would continue to hinder the development and optimal exploitation of the mining sector.

Mr. Orya stressed on the need to work together with the World Bank and reiterated that the issues of capacity training, both at institutional and SME levels, is key to achieving meaningful success in the sector. He requested that the NEXIM and the World Bank should come up with an MOU, which Dr. Francesco Igualada agreed could, in the interim, be in the form of a ‘Letter of Intent’ to work together.

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PRO-BIAFRA PROTESTERS PUT NIGERIAN EMBASSY IN GABON UNDER SIEGE

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November 11, 2015

PRO-BIAFRA PROTESTERS PUT NIGERIAN EMBASSY IN GABON UNDER SIEGE

Libreville, November 11, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – By Sunday Ikuesan

A group of people who identify themselves as members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) protest at the gate of Embassy of Nigeria in Gabon in the early hour of this week.

The group paid a surprise protest visit to the Embassy to advocate for the sovereignty of the Republic of Biafra among others. In their display placards swung amidst dances and war songs, our reporters captioned their messages which read as follows: “We need Biafra Sovereignty”, “Freedom is not a curse”, “Free our leader”. These of course are the reasons for their protest.

Our reporters gathered that their noises and songs at the gate of the Embassy drew the attention of Nigerian diplomats who came out to address the protesters. Mr John Ishaya who spoke to the pro-biafra protesters on behalf of the ambassador promised to communicate their grievances to the hierarchy. Notwithstanding, he advised them against unlawful protests and more.

The fair man being hailed by the youths is Nnamdi Kanu of Radio Biafra.

To finish, Mr John Ishaya informed the protesters of the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu. News which was completely alien to the group. The demonstration of the pro-biafra protesters at the gate of the Embassy created some embarrassments as it puts visitors to the Embassy away for almost 2 hours.

*Sunday Ikuesan Is Blank NEWS Online Gabon correspondent.

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Delta Speaker Escapes Impeachment After N1 bn Overseas Jamboree Training *Ex-Speaker Ochei Fingered in Plot

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November 11, 2015

Delta Speaker Escapes Impeachment After N1 bn Overseas Jamboree Training *Ex-Speaker Ochei Fingered in Plot

Nigeria, November 11, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

Having successfuly squandered a whooping N750 million on a jamboree training session which lasted for six weeks in Atlanta, Georgia., the Delta State House of Assembly at its resumed sitting on Tuesday, suspended the Chief Whip, Mrs. Pat Ajudua (Oshimili North Constituency)and former Deputy Majority Leader, Mr. Johnson Erijo (Isoko South II Constituency) for three months, over alleged plot to overthrow the House leadership.

In what the House described as “desecration of the Hallowed Chamber” via a motion by the Majority Leader, Hon. Tim Owhefere (Isoko North), seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon Festus Okoh (Ika South), it noted that “the sanctity of the House must be respected at all times.”

Nevertheless, the two suspended members were escorted out of the Assembly chamber by the Sergeant-At-Arms following the voice ruling on the motion by the Speaker and was unanimously adopted.

The suspension of the two lawmakers came on the heels of the rumoured moves within the legislative system to unseat the Speaker, Hon Monday Igbuya, a claim that was however denied by persons in the Assembly very close to the Speaker but a dependable source revealed that the move to suspend the two members was done quickly to avert an impending impeachment of the Assembly Speaker, Hon Monday Igbuya and other principal officials.

Blank NEWS Online findings have revealed that former Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Victor Ochei is fingered in the alleged plot to unseat the House leadership but his interest remained unknown as at the time of filing this report.

According to the source, the former Speaker of the House, Hon. Victor Ochei, had during the Assembly members training in Atlanta, Georgia invited some lawmakers said to be his loyalist to his Philadelphia resident and lobbied them to change the House leadership.

”What happened today was as a result of a botched impeachment plan. Ochei invited some lawmakers to his Philadelphia resident during the Atlanta visit and that was where he lobbied our lawmakers to perfect a change in leadership. They also held other meetings in Atlanta.”

The source listed the lawmakers present at the meeting with Hon. Ochei to include, Hon. Peter Onwusanya, Hon. Ruben Izeze, Hon. Adophus Ojo, Hon. Angela Nwaka, and Hon. Azuka Azaka.

Others were, Hon. Samuel Mariere, Hon. Johnson Erijo, Hon. Pat Ajudua, and Hon. Denis Omovie

However, sensing that the impeachment was about to be moved on Tuesday, Igbuya and his loyalist quickly handed a suspension for insubordination to Hon. Erijo and Pat Ajudua. The source further added.

If the impeachment plot had sailed through, Marieri would have emerged Speaker, Onwusanya Deputy Speaker, while Erijo would have become the Majority Leader.

Meanwhile, the news of Mr. Erijo’s suspension was greeted with jubilation by the residents of his Isoko South II Constituency.

Earlier, in his welcome address to the resumed plenary, Igbuya thanked the members for actively participating in what he called “the first annual overseas lecture and vacation of the sixth assembly which took place at the Georgia Tech Students Centre, Atlanta Georgia” and expressed the hope that the experience garnered would enrich the lawmaking process in Delta State.

He expressed happiness at the victory of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, saying the state legislature was prepared to work harmoniously with the governor in actualising all his developmental agenda for the state.

“With the major tribunal issues out of the way, I adjure all of us to be more dedicated in carrying out the duties our constituents have empowered us to perform,” Igbuya said, adding, “In the next few days, before the Christmas holiday, our decisions and deliberations can define the direction of the state.”

He further said: “Therefore, we need to set our hearts on a greater purpose than our personal interests which is to lift the state to a higher estate. We must offer hope to our people in spite of the gloomy situation, we must have faith that with the help of God the Prosperity Agenda will be accomplished and we will work hard towards its actualisation because according to the scriptures faith without work is dead.”

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E.I.C: Albert Eruorhe Ograka

EFCC Boss, Lamorde Embarks On Terminal Leave *ACP Magu to Act

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November 10, 2015

EFCC Boss, Lamorde Embarks On Terminal Leave *ACP Magu to Act

Nigeria, November 10, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

Ahead of the formal expiration of his tenure in February next year, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde has been relieved of his job and granted permission to proceed on terminal leave.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ibrahim Magu, a top official of Economic and Governance Unit of the commission has been named to take over from the embattled EFCC boss.

A terse statement issued by Presidential Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, reads:
“President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Mustafa Magu as the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“Mr. Magu, who is an Assistant Commissioner of Police is to take over from Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde who is proceeding on terminal leave ahead of the formal expiration of his tenure in February next year”.

Mr. Lamorde has been enmeshed in series of allegations bordering on diversion of funds recovered from the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Dipreye Alamieyeseigha.

The erstwhile EFCC boss was billed to appear before the Senate this week to defend himself over allegation of illegally diverting N1 trillion being proceeds from seizures from suspected treasury looters.

Lamorde was appointed in 2011 by former President Goodluck Jonathan following the removal of Mrs Farida Waziri.

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CCT Adjourns Orubebe's Trial To Nov. 29 ***As Supporters Stage Protest In Abuja

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November 10, 2015

CCT Adjourns Orubebe's Trial To Nov. 29 ***As Supporters Stage Protest In Abuja

Nigeria, November 10, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

The trial of former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has been adjourned till November 26, 2015 for proper hearing.

Orubebe had appeared before the CCT sitting in Abuja on Monday, November 9 over a four-count charge of alleged bribe and false assets declaration but the case was adjourned because the prosecutors refused to present a witness before the court.

Before the judge adjourned the case till November 26, 2015 for proper hearing, supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain had stormed the court in their hundreds and showed their grievances by displaying placards with different inscriptions, one of which was “Ijaw Community Association, Abuja say no to these anti-corruption war targeted on south-south indigenes”, among several others.

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SPORTS: Okowa Commends Nigeria's Golden Eaglets, Falconets, World Scrabble Champ

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November 9, 2015

SPORTS: Okowa Commends Nigeria's Golden Eaglets, Falconets, World Scrabble Champ

Nigeria, November 09, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Nigeria on the back-to-back victory of the Golden Eaglets in the FIFA under-17 World football championship, which climaxed in the 2-0 trouncing of the Malian side.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, Senator Okowa, commended the doggedness of the Emmanuel Amunike-led team, for their unanimity of purpose and team spirit; which ensured that the highly motivated Malian side, did not deny us a trophy, that could safely be described as ‘the Nigerian franchise’.

“The boys showed class in all the departments of the game and this was evidenced by the individual trophies for ‘highest goal scorer’ and ‘most valuable player’, all of which were clinched by Nigerians”, he noted.

Governor Okowa enjoined the Amaju Pinnick-led Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to ensure that a programme which will keep the boys together is put in place to serve as a feeder for the senior national team.
“It is my hope and aspirations that as a Country we will continue to monitor these boys so that they can translate their under-17 experience into the senior National Team” he added.

He noted that Nigeria’s record in the under-17 football competition was a testimony to the capacity of Nigerian youths to deliver on target, if properly guided. He charged Nigerian youths to be committed to their goals and avoid acts capable of derailing their God-given potentials.

The Governor said he was proud of the achievements of the young eaglets who brought honour once again to Nigeria and Africa.

“I am happy that two African sides played in the finals in Chile and more excited that the Nigerian lads emerged Champions to retain their crown for the 5th time.

Governor Okowa has also congratulated the Nigeria under-20 female football team Falconets for qualifying for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup to be held in Papua New Guinea in 2016.

Okowa saluted the resilient spirit of the Falconets after defeating hosts, South Africa 1-0 on Sunday, and winning 3-1 on aggregate

In a similar situation, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated Nigeria’s and Delta State born Wellington Jighere for emerging the new Scrabble champion of the world after defeating Lewis Mackay 4-0 in a Best of Seven series in Perth Australia.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, Governor okowa noted that It was the first time an African will win the world best scrabble player and that he is excited that a Deltan is bringing that honour to Africa.

“I congratulate you for this great honour that you have done for Nigeria and Africa. We are proud of you and the wonderful achievement of Team Nigeria in emerging the best team of the tournament” he said.

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Money Laundering Charges: Orubebe Docked @ Code of Conduct Tribunal

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November 9, 2015

Money Laundering Charges: Orubebe Docked @ Code of Conduct Tribunal

Nigeria, November 09, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

In a bid to avert resentment and drive home his denials of stealing public funds, Nigeria’s former minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, has today, Monday, November 9, appeared before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in Abuja, where he is facing a four-count charge on money laundering.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, who is more popular for disrupting the announcement of the 2015 presidential election winner, has been in the news recently over the money laundering allegations.

Ibraheem Al-hassan, head of press and public relations of the CCT, had confirmed that a charge was pending against Orubebe before the tribunal, revealing also that on Thursday, October 29, the summons was served on Orubebe.

The former minister has since denied the allegations, stating that he is being unnecessary framed by the present administration because of his huge support for ousted president, Goodluck Jonathan.

Orubebe also denied ever demanding or collecting bribe throughout his six-year sojourn as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, adding that he was convinced that the CCT was out to frame him given the way it had already begun his ‘trial’ in the media when he had only been served with the summons to appear before the court on November 9, 2015.

Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar, ordered Orubebe to enter the accused box immediately he entered the courtroom at about 10.43am.

Peter Danladi of the CCB filed the four-count charge on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) on October 8, 2015.

The counts include: “That you, Godsday Peter Orubebe, while being a Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Niger Delta Affairs, on or about June 29th 2011 did make a false declaration in your asset declaration form by failing to declare plot 2722 Kyamu District Abuja on assumption of office on 26th September 2007 and on leaving office (at the end of your tenure), on June 29, 2011 and you thereby committed an offence under section 15 of Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act Cap C15 and as incorporated under paragraph 11(1) & (2) of Part 1, Fifth Schedule to the Constitution and punishable under section 23(2) of the CCB & T Act.

“That you Godsday Peter Orubebe, while being a Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, on or about June 29, 2011 did make a false declaration in your asset declaration form by failing to declare plot 2059 Asokoro district, Abuja on assumption of office on September 26, 2007 and on June 29, 2011 and you thereby committed an offence under section 15 of the CCB & T Act, and punishable under section 23 (2) of the CCB & T Act.

“That you Godsday Peter Orubebe while being a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs on or about September 19, 2012 asked for and accepted the sum of fifty million naira from one Pastor (Dr) Jonathan Alota, as bribe for the contract awarded in favour of his company, Chemtronics Nigeria Limited and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 10 of the CCB & T Act, and punishable under Section 23 (2) of CCB & T Act.

“That you Godsday Orubebe, while being a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, on or about 2013 asked for and accepted the sum of twenty million naira from one Pastor (Dr.) Jonathan Alota as additional bribe for the contract awarded in favour of his company Chemtronics Nigeria Limited for the construction of skill acquisition Centre at Edo State for the sum of one billion seven hundred and ninety nine million, nine hundred and fourteen thousand two hundred and fifty naira eighty eight kobo only (N 1,799,914,251.88K) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 10 of CCB & T Act.”

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E.I.C: Albert Eruorhe Ograka

Robert Mugabe Wins "Confucius Peace Prize" @ 91 *Beats Bill Gates, Ban Ki-Moon

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November 9, 2015

Robert Mugabe Wins "Confucius Peace Prize" @ 91 *Beats Bill Gates, Ban Ki-Moon

Nigeria, November 09, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe has been selected to win the Confucius Peace Prize, as a result of his continued work in actively promoting “African peace.”

Mugabe was said to have been chosen for “serving as the Zimbabwe president from the 1980s.”

Overcoming a number of difficulties. Contributing to building the government, economy, and order in the country “while continuing to work at the age of 91 actively for African peace,” his citation stated.

A total of nine judges from a panel of 16 experts and scholars picked the 91-year-old to win the award, which consists of a gold Confucius trophy and 100 000 yuan in prize money, which equates to $16 000.

Beating more than five nominees to win the Confucius Peace Prize, he beat other candidates including UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, South Korean President Park Geun-hye, as well as former Japanese Prime Ministers Tomiichi Murayama and Yasuo Fukuda.

Russian leader, Vladimir Putin has previously won the six-year-old award.

The shadowy prize emerged in 2010, when it was suddenly announced by the panel two days before jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo was awarded the Nobel to Beijing’s anger.

Organisers of the prize denied links to the government, but the award’s executive chairman Liu Haofeng said later that it had been set up by an association overseen by China’s culture.

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Nigeria Gets First Female Governor, As Tribunal Declares Aisha Alhassan Winner Of Taraba Guber Polls

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November 7, 2015

Nigeria Gets First Female Governor, As Tribunal Declares Aisha Alhassan Winner Of Taraba Guber Polls

Nigeria, November 07, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

The Chairman of the Taraba State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar has declared Hajiya Aisha Jumai Alhassan of the All Progressive Congress (APC) winner of the April 11, 2015 governorship election in Taraba State.

The tribunal sitting at the Appeal Court Headquarters in Abuja on Saturday while delivering its judgment held that there was no valid candidate from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that contested the election, adding that the PDP did not hold a valid primary election, the tribunal ruled.

It therefore ordered the immediate swearing-in of the APC candidate.

The PDP candidate Darius Ishaku had been declared winner of the poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC candidate, Hajiya Aisha Jumai Alhassan had challenged the validity of Governor Darius Ishaku’s election as declared by INEC.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had picked Alhassan as a minister and while being screened, she told the Senate that she was still battling the case at tribunal.

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Edo State: PDP Frowns @ APC's Plot To Recover Ex-Gov's $31m Loot *Alleges Oshiomhole Squandered Ntrn FG Fund

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November 6, 2015

Edo State: PDP Frowns @ APC's Plot To Recover Ex-Gov's $31m Loot *Alleges Oshiomhole Squandered Ntrn FG Fund

Nigeria, November 06, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

EDO State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused the Governor Adams Oshiomhole led state government of squandering over N1trillion allegedly received from the federation account from 2008 till date on perceived overpriced legacy projects.

The party made the accusation while reacting to the state government’s alleged moves to recover $31million, among others, from a former governor of the state and his associates, describing the moves as a mere political desperation and persecution.

The Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr. Chris Nehikhare at a briefing on Thursday, wondered why “it took the Oshiomhole administration seven years to wake up from its slumber to begin what is clearly a case of political witch hunting.”

He said that Governor Oshiomhole was plotting how to perpetuate himself in office by installing a political stooge as successor instead of attending to myriad of challenges presently facing Edo State.

In a swift reaction, the Special Adviser to Governor Adams Oshiomhole on Media Affairs, Prince Kassim Afegbusa, said: “Tell those PDP hawks to go and borrow their own money too, if it is that easy to extract loan commitment from the World Bank..”

On the alleged receipt of over N1 trillion since its assumption of office in 2008, he said,
“At least, Edo people can see for themselves what we have been able to do with allocations from the Federation Account. Even though it is nothing near half a trillion, let alone a trillion naira. We have been able to impact heavily on the state of our roads. We constructed new ones and rehabilitated a lot of existing ones. We will not be distracted from doing the needful for the good people of Edo State.”

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Right of Reply: Gov Okowa Will Not Collect N10bn Loan From Bond Market

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November 5, 2015

Right of Reply: Gov Okowa Will Not Collect N10bn Loan From Bond Market

Nigeria, November 05, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

We find it indeed funny and childishly theatrical that Universal Reporters 247 has began to toe the unpopular pathway of speculative journalism that Sahara Reporters is well known for. It is indeed a show of shame for a media to feed the unsuspecting public that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is set to borrow N10 billion from the bond market without hearing from the government or cross checking their facts.

This is obviously the height of media rascality and unprofessionalism for a widely -circulated media tabloid to become a pawn in the hands of the opposition in Delta State in their incurable bid of seeking to distract and derail the Government of Gov Ifeanyi Okowa.

As for the piece of news, beloved Deltans and Nigerians are advised to ignore same as there is no element of truth in it. May it be noted that Gov Ifeanyi Okowa is a man and leader known to run an inclusive Government that equally takes into cognizance the demands that pertain to the separation of powers among the three Arms of Government even as spelt out in the Nigerian Constitution.

Hence, in the hurried and preemptive attempts to beguile Gov Okowa; shouldn’t Universal Reporters ordinarily have shown as proof, the letter of request transmitted to the State Assembly by Gov Okowa asking for their approval to access such a loan?

Furthermore, one is bemused concerning the ranting of Universal Reporters 247 concerning Gov Okowa’s long term membership of the PDP. For the records, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has at no time hidden it that he is a member of the PDP, neither is he contemplating moving to the opposition.

However, what we find uncharitable is the constant attempt by the opposition to place the bulk of the responsibility for the failures (of course, the successes are never ever included) of the immediate past Government on him. We ask: was Gov Okowa then the Chief Executive of the State on whom the bulk stopped at his table?

If the opposition is irredeemably interested in a never-ending assessment and maligning of the past Government, shouldn’t they know where to look? Indeed, what is necessary to assert is that the Delta Electorate knew all about the background of Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa before they decided to massively entrust him with their mandate as the Governor. Therefore, this current but stale media demeanor of the opposition (still smarting from their woeful loss at the Elections Tribunal) will amount to nothing.

We have definitely seen through the pretenses of this hireling of a media Tabloid called the Universal Reporters, as paid hands in the hands of the wailing opposition in the State. We deem it a wicked enterprise to embark on by an online Tabloid desirous of credibility, acceptance and respect from the general public!

Lastly, we assure dear Deltans that Gov Okowa is irrevocably committed to his ‘ Prosperity for All Deltans’ Vision which himself and his team are working tirelessly to see become reality in the homes and lives of Deltans. Certainly too, anything known to cause Deltans pain and eventual losses will never have the approval or imprimatur of the amiable Gov Okowa.

Whenever our S.M.A.R.T agenda governor is ready to take any loan, Deltans and Nigerians will be aware of it, as the governor runs on a transparent mandate willfully given to him by the people that he serves. On all of these and many more of the Governor’s promises, Deltans should be rest assured.

*Dantes Odogwu is SSA, NEW MEDIA to Delta State Governor.

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Delta 2016 Education Summit: Okowa Inaugurates 6-Man C'ttee

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November 4, 2015

Delta 2016 Education Summit: Okowa Inaugurates 6-Man C'ttee

Nigeria, November 04, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

IN his determination to use education as tool for economic transformation, the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has inaugurated a six-man committee to organise an education summit.

Inaugurating the committee in Asaba on Tuesday, Governor Okowa stated that “a good educational system has the capacity to produce transformed individuals in the sense that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to develop the society they live in and make a success of their careers and lives.”

He stated that organising an education summit has become necessary to check the falling standards and noticeable deficiencies in our present education system in the state and the country in general.

Prof. Patrick Muoboghare (right), Commissioner for Higher Education, Engr Jude Sinebe andComissioner for Basic & Secondary Education, Mr. Chiedu Ebie during the Inauguration of the 6-man Committee on Education Summit, in Asaba. — Prof. Patrick Muoboghare (left) and the Commissioner for Higher Education, Engr Jude Sinebe and Comissioner for Basic & Secondary Education, Mr. Chiedu Ebie during the Inauguration of the 6-man Committee on Education Summit, in Asaba.

While stating that the theme of the summit which would hold in the first quarter of 2016 is, “Leap Frogging Education in Delta State,” the Governor said the committee which has former Commissioner in the state, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare as Chairman and Mr Vincent Magboma as Secretary, should consider “learning goals, value orientation, social transformation, community participation, learning climate, service learning and centre of excellence,” while choosing resource persons for the summit.

Buttressing the need for the summit, Governor Okowa said it was part of his campaign promises to refocus the curricula of schools in the state. The Governor asserted that, “there is a sense of realisation that our present educational system is grossly deficient and out of touch with the realities of the 21stcentury society; in fact, those who say we should declare state of emergency in our education sector are speaking the minds of many Nigerians.”

“In today’s knowledge economy, education, not oil or natural resources has become the competitive edge of serious countries all over the world; the meteoric rise of countries like Singapore, Malaysia, China and South Korea that have leapfrogged other third world nations and joined the elite leage of developed nations is due largely to the development of their human capital,” the Governor observed.

He noted that human resources accounts for 65 per cent of a nation’s socio-economic development.

Responding on behalf of members of the committee which include, Hon. Chiedu Ebie, Sir Jude Sinebe, Mrs Pat Ejeteh, (Prof.) Mrs Mary Edema and Mr Jackson Ekwugum, the chairman of the committee, Prof. Muoboghare thanked Governor Okowa for deeming them fit to serve in the committee, noting that the committee has capable members to plan for the summit.

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Ossai Lauds Nigerians For Assisting Flood Victims *Receives Water Treatment Filters From Idi Farouk

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November 4, 2015

Ossai Lauds Nigerians For Assisting Flood Victims *Receives Water Treatment Filters From Idi Farouk

Nigeria, November 04, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Delta State, Hon. Chika Ossai (left) receiving water treatment filters to assist flood victims from the Chairman, Greenwork Matters Limited, Hon. Idi Farouk who made the donationss in Asaba, while the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Special Duties, Mr Benson Oboro, and Mr Jafar Farouk watches in admiration.

DELTA State Commissioner for Commissioner in charge of Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Chika Ossai has commended Nigerians for defying all boundaries to assist those displaced by flood that ravaged some coastal communities in the state.

The Commissioner gave the commendation in AAsabaon Tuesday, when the Chairman, Greenwork Matters Limited, Alhaji Idi Farouk donated two hundred units of water purifiers to the state to facilitate the provision of safe drinking water for people affected by flood.

According to Hon. Ossai, it was re-assuring and heart-warming to see Hon. Farouk coming from Kaduna to donate materials to assist flood victims in Delta State assuring him, that the materials would be properly put to use.

“What you have demonstrated by coming to Delta State to donate this items shows that you are a great Nigerian as you came all the way from the North, it is good that in times like this, Nigerians identifies with displaced persons, such actions gives them hope,” he said, adding, “it is important for us to always show love to one another.”

The Commissioner asserted that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was not leaving any stone unturned to ensure that the displaced persons were well catered for, disclosing that while awareness campaigns were intensive before the coming of the flood, Hon. Ossai expressed hope that such disaster does not befall the state in the future.

Earlier, Hon. Farouk disclosed that he heard about the flood and had to provide the water filters stated, “we found out that the biggest problem we have in terms of drinking water is contaminated water and these filters can purify water, no matter how dirty it is, it guarantees 99 per cent purity.”

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Oduah Urges Youths To Shun Violence, Support Investors

Youth Development

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November 4, 2015

Nigeria, November 04, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

YOUTHS have been urged to tap into the empowerment programmes of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration and desist from engaging in unlawful activities.

Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Youths Development and Community Relations, Hon. Nwanze Oduah made the call while speaking with journalists shortly after Elders and Leaders of Delta North Senatorial District paid a solidarity on Governor Okowa.

According to him, it was important to encourage investors to the state and the youths can play vital roles in ensuring that the state was peaceful, especially in areas of inter-communal relations.

“Governor Okowa is committed to empowering the people directly through the job creation programmes, he is also getting investors to the state and what the youths need to do is to encourage those investors by engaging in healthy activities,” he said, disclosing, “lack of job opportunities pushed some of the youths to be involved in land speculations, deve levy and all that but, they should give Governor Okowa’s administration the opportunity to succeed with the prosperity agenda for all Deltans.”

He added, “the youths can acquire skills if they are not educated as we all can be professionals in our different areas by contributing positively to the growth of the society, we are already carrying out awareness campaign for our youths to be positively engaged.”

Hon. Oduah observed, “the youths cannot be happy killing themselves for whatever reason, Delta youths are not lazy and we believe that our advocacy for attitudinal change will succeed for companies, investors to see Delta as heaven for their investments, there will be jobs for our youths and everybody and the investors will benefit from a conducive environment and the market in Onitsha.”

He specifically, urged the youths to sheath their swords, avoid violent activities and be patient with Governor Okowa’s administration as it works to empowering them.

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AU Heads Of State, UN Officials, Others Brainstorm @ African Ministerial Confab In Dakar

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November 3, 2015

AU Heads Of State, UN Officials, Others Brainstorm @ African Ministerial Confab In Dakar

Nigeria, November 03, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

African heads of state, government ministers and top officials from the United Nations, African Union and private sector groups have gathered in Senegal to chart a plan for boosting the uptake of intellectual property tools to help stimulate economic and social development across Africa.

Among dignitaries in atendance are H.E. Macky Sall, President of Senegal; H. E. Mrs. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of the Republic of Mauritius; World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Director General Francis Gurry and other senior UN officials; African Union (AU) Chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and other regional officials; Some 60 government ministers are also participating in the in the event which commenced on November 03, 2015 at the King Fahd Palace Hotel, Dakar, Senegal.

The three day working meeting of leaders from across Africa is entitled “African Ministerial Conference 2015: Intellectual Property (IP) for an Emerging Africa.” The conference preceded on November 2 by a workshop grouping young African innovators and creators to talk about IP, innovation and creativity.

Acording to WIPO Director General Francis Gurry, “Africa has a great tradition of innovation and creativity…and innovation is a central driver of economic growth, development and better jobs. It is the key for firms to compete successfully in the global marketplace.”

He said: “Intellectual property is an indispensable mechanism for translating knowledge into commercial assets – IP rights create a secure environment for investment in innovation and provide a legal framework for trading in intellectual assets.”

BACKGROUND

About IP: Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce. IP is protected in law by, for example, patents, copyright and trademarks, which enable people to earn recognition or financial benefit from what they invent or create. By striking the right balance between the interests of innovators and the wider public interest, the IP system aims to foster an environment in which creativity and innovation can flourish.

About IP and Africa: There is increasing recognition in the global knowledge-based economy that IP and innovation are two important contributory factors for economic, social and cultural development, better competitiveness of industries as well as enhanced trade.

African nations are embracing the knowledge-based economy in order to access the opportunities it offers for poverty reduction, enhanced agricultural productivity, as well as the prospects for industrial competitivity, which could pave the way for sustainable and inclusive development.

About the Conference: The conference aims to highlight the relevance of IP in promoting innovation and scientific and technological transformation of African economies. It will also show how IP can contribute to the realization of the priorities identified in the Common African Position (CAP) on the Post-2015 Development Agenda. And it will provide an arena for discussion on the role of IP for innovation and creativity in the continent.

The conference will also:

Address governments’ role in creating an enabling environment for the use of IP and innovation for development;
Facilitate a better understanding and appreciation of the importance of the strategic use of the IP system as an engine for scientific and technological transformation, economic and social development and poverty reduction for Africa;
Encourage governments to put in place IP policies and innovation strategies aimed at building the countries’ capacity to apply science, technology and innovation for development;
Give participants the tools and the means to keep abreast with the latest trends and business models in the digital environment;
Explore ways to increase the participation of African countries in the digital economy by encouraging ratification/access to key international copyright treaties;
Contribute to advancing the implementation of a framework and infrastructure which enhances the business performance and competitiveness of creative industries to support economic, cultural and development objectives.

The conference is jointly organized by WIPO, the African Union (AU) the Government of the Republic of Senegal and the Government of Japan under the Japan Funds-in-Trust for Africa and Least-Developed Countries (LDCs).

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False Assets, N70m Bribe: Code of Conduct Tribunal Set To Arraign Ex- Niger Delta Minister Orubebe

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October 31, 2015

False Assets, N70m Bribe: Code of Conduct Tribunal Set To Arraign Ex- Niger Delta Minister Orubebe

Nigeria, October 31, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

Al is set to formaly arraign the erstwhile Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Peter Orubebe for false declaration of assets and alleged acceptance of bribe to the tune of about N70million., as the Federal Government has instituted a four-count criminal charge against him, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), sitting in Abuja.

The charge signed by Mr. Peter Danlaby, a senior legal officer at the CCB is dated October 8, and certifed for trial, through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

Meanwhile, the Justice Danladi Umar-led tribunal has fixed November 9 to take the plea of the former Minister who is facing charges bordering on false declaration of assets and his alleged acceptance of bribe to the tune of about N70million.

FG alleged that he pocketed bribe of N70m that was given to him by one Pastor (Dr.) Jonathan Alota, the owner of a company, Chemtronics Nigeria Limited, that benefited from contracts that were awarded by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, whilst Orubebe held sway as the Minister. He is also accused of failing to declare his ownership of two choice properties in Abuja.

Whereas he was accused of falsely declaring his assets in 2011, offence under section 15 of Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act Cap C15, FG, received bribe of N50m in 2012 and another N20m in 2013, an offence contrary to section 10 of the CCB & Tribunal Act, 2004, and punishable under Section 23 (2) of the same law.

A copy of the charge, as well as a summon from the tribunal for him to appear for trial on November 9, was said to have been served on the former Minister since October 29.

The charge reads: “That you, Godsday Peter Orubebe, while being a Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Niger Delta Affairs, on or about June 29th 2011 did make a false declaration in your asset declaration form by failing to declare plot 2722 Kyamu District Abuja on assumption of office on 26th September 2007 and on leaving office (at the end of your tenure), on June 29, 2011 and you thereby committed an offence under section 15 of Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act Cap C15 and as incorporated under paragraph 11(1) & (2) of Part 1, Fifth Schedule to the Constitution and punishable under section 23(2) of the CCB & T Act.

“That you Godsday Orubebe, while being a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, on or about 2013 asked for and accepted the sum of twenty million naira from one Pastor (Dr.) Jonathan Alota as additional bribe for the contract awarded in favour of his company Chemtronics Nigeria Limited for the construction of skill acquisition Centre at Edo State for the sum of one billion seven hundred and ninety nine million, nine hundred and fourteen thousand two hundred and fifty naira eighty eight kobo only (₦ 1,799,914,251.88K) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 10 of CCB & T Act”.

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Buhari In India: Vows To Recover Stolen Funds To Avert Public Officers Seeking Personal Gains

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October 29, 2015

Buhari In India: Vows To Recover Stolen Funds To Avert Public Officers Seeking Personal Gains

Nigeria, October 29, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in New Delhi, India reaffirmed his Administration’s resolute commitment to curbing corruption, plugging all loopholes in public sector accounting and deploying available resources for the good of all Nigerians.

Addressing members of the Nigerian community in India, Buhari declared that the recovery of stolen funds and prosecution of persons who have been indicted for corrupt practices will also continue to be vigorously pursued.

President who is accompanied by Delta state Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and his Kano state counterpart, as well as the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, Permanent Secretaries in the Ministries of Defence, Power, Communications Technology, Agriculture, Foreign Affairs and Industry, Trade and Investment, said he expects the ongoing recoveries and prosecutions to serve as a deterrent to others who nurse the ambition of seeking public office solely for illegal personal gain.

The president assured the gathering that his administration fully recognised the devastating consequences of the illegal diversion of public resources meant for national development into private bank accounts, and was doing all within its powers to stop such diversions.

Buhari said: “The anti-corruption campaign will be on-going for many years. We are committed to the enthronement of good governance that plugs the loopholes in public sector accounting, and the use of scarce resources for public good.

“We are determined to demonstrate exemplary leadership that will make our citizens to change their ways in a manner that lays a solid foundation for reconstruction and development.

“I am confident that our approach to fighting corruption through value re-orientation, improved internal processes and systems and the rule of law, as well as enhancing the capacity of the various anti-corruption agencies and institutions will prove more enduring in addressing this evil.

“In the meantime, we will continue to prosecute those who have been indicted for corrupt practices and ensure that stolen funds are recovered, to serve as deterrence to others who nurse the ambition of seeking public office solely for illegal personal gain.”

The President told the Nigerian community he was fully aware of the expectations of Nigerians who elected him on the platform of change, integrity, probity and accountability, and was therefore doing his utmost best to meet those expectations.

“I wish to assure you that we shall do our best to fix the economy, create jobs for the teeming population of our youths and make the home environment safe, secure and more attractive to Nigerians outside the country like your good selves.

He added: “On the economy, our aim is to address the challenge of infrastructure in all its ramifications, especially power and transportation. We are seeking to create jobs through agriculture, mining, industrial value-addition and the promotion of small scale enterprises.

“We are also taking steps to address criminality across the country. We are tackling the menace of terrorism posed by Boko Haram head on and I am pleased to note that though sporadic attacks on soft targets have not stopped, the over-all capacity of Boko Haram to hold territory and determine the course of the conflict has been severely degraded.

“If the current positive trends are maintained, we are confident that by the end of this year, we would have succeeded in permanently turning the tide against the Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria.”

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Okowa Charges Trade Unions To Shun Divisive Tendencies … As Obi Re-emerges Chairman, Delta NURTW

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October 29, 2015

Okowa Charges Trade Unions To Shun Divisive Tendencies … As Obi Re-emerges Chairman, Delta NURTW

Nigeria, October 29, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

from left; Chairman, (NURTW) Delta State Council, Chief Ifeanyi Obi; Comrade Innocent Ofuonyedi and Representative of the Governor, Comrade Mike Okeme, during the National Union of Road Transport Works, 3rd Quadrennial State Delegates Conference, in Labour House, Asaba.

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has charged unionists in Nigeria to shun divisive tendencies in the interest of peace.

According to the Governor, members of trade unions should always work as a team and have peaceful unionism that believes in dialogue uppermost in their minds.

The Governor through his Special Adviser on Labour and Industrial Relations, Comrade Mike Okeme during the 3rd quadrennial delegates conference of the Delta State Council of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) stated that trade unions should always apply dialogues rather than resorting to other means of settling disputes.

Governor Okowa particularly lauded the process that saw to the emergence of Chief (Comrade) Ifeanyi Obi as Chairman, Delta State Council of NURTW, noting that it was a clear case of “one good term deserving of another” and urged Chief Obi to ensure that he carries all the members of the drivers’ union along in his administration.

“Trade unions should always apply dialogue as the best and only way of resolving disputes, we thank God that the NURTW has gone scientific, the process which led to the coming on board of this executive deserves commendation, it was peaceful, achieved through dialogue and acceptable to all the members of the union,” Governor Okowa said.

The National President of NURTW, Alhaji Najeem Yasin whose address was read by Alhaji Suleman Musa urged the elected members of the executive council, “to try as much as possible to run an administration that is committed to fairness, equity and justice so that unity and harmony will prevail amongst officers and members of this great union at various organs.”

Chief Obi who was re-elected as the Chairman of the NURTW, Delta State Council pledged to work for a progressive union where all members work for a common goal.

Representatives of trade unions, government functionaries, security operatives witnessed the ceremony.

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EFCC Re-Arraigns Secretary, Accountant of Delta Scholarship Board Accused Plead "Not Guilty" Enjoy Bail *Court Adjourns To Dec.

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October 28, 2015

EFCC Re-Arraigns Secretary, Accountant of Delta Scholarship Board *Accused Plead "Not Guilty" *Enjoy Bail *Court Adjourns To Dec.

Nigeria, October 28, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –

The EFCC on Tuesday re-arraigned the Executive Secretary Delta state Scholarship Board and Its Accountant, on five count charge of conspiracy and stealing to the tune of N169million. They were docked before Justice F N Azinge of the Delta state High Court, Asaba.

The accused persons (names withheld) are alleged to have paid bursary to “ghost” students.

They however pleaded not guilty to the five count charge preferred against them.

Prosecution counsel Steve Odiase asked the court for a date for hearing but A P A Ogefere, counsel to the two accused persons asked the court to allow the duo remain on the bail granted by the former trial judge Justice Emifoniye,

Justice Azinge therefore adjourned the case to December 8 and 9, 2015 for hearing, while allowing the accused to continue to enjoy the terms of bail earlier granted by court.

It will be recalled that the duo were first arraigned in May 2014 before Justice Emifoniye who has been transferred to another court.

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